The rental market is changing, and one of the most important developments for landlords is the increased notice period tenants are now required to provide when ending a tenancy.
With tenants generally expected to give two months’ notice before moving out, landlords have a valuable opportunity to plan ahead and minimise costly void periods.
Don’t Wait Until the Property Is Empty
One of the most common mistakes landlords make is waiting until a tenant has vacated before beginning the marketing process.
While this may seem logical, it can often result in weeks of lost rental income while photographs are arranged, listings are created, viewings take place and references are completed.
Instead, landlords should be thinking about remarketing their property as soon as notice is received.
Two Months Gives You Time to Prepare
A two-month notice period provides a significant window to:
- Arrange updated photographs if required
- Review rental values and market conditions
- Advertise the property to prospective tenants
- Conduct viewings
- Carry out referencing and right-to-rent checks
- Agree a move-in date with a new tenant
By starting early, many landlords can secure a replacement tenant before the current tenancy has even ended.
Reducing Costly Void Periods
Even a short void period can have a significant impact on annual rental returns.
For example, a property achieving £1,200 per month that remains vacant for four weeks could lose around £1,200 in rental income, not including council tax, utility standing charges and other ongoing costs.
Early marketing helps reduce this risk and improves the chances of achieving a seamless transition between tenancies.
The Market Moves Quickly
Good tenants often begin their search weeks before they intend to move. If your property is not yet being marketed, you could miss out on motivated applicants who are ready to commit.
Properties that are launched promptly and presented professionally are more likely to attract strong interest and secure suitable tenants quickly.
Working Together for a Smooth Transition
At Oakfield Lettings, we recommend landlords contact us as soon as notice is received from a tenant. This allows us to begin preparing a marketing strategy immediately, arrange viewings where appropriate and start the process of finding the next tenant.
With careful planning and proactive marketing, landlords can minimise void periods, protect their rental income and ensure a smoother transition between tenancies.
If you’ve recently received notice from your tenant, contact our lettings team today to discuss the next steps and start marketing your property at the earliest opportunity. Check out our contact details here.