Free Calculator
Void Period Cost Calculator
See exactly how much empty weeks are costing you — lost rent, ongoing bills, and the annual hit to your returns.
Your Property Income
£900/month
Monthly Costs (still paid during void)
£600/month
£120/month
£30/month
£50/month
Void Pattern
4 weeks
1 per year
Annual void cost to your income
£1,570
= 14.5% of your annual rental income
Lost rent per void
£831
Ongoing costs per void
£739
Total per void period
£1,570
Effective monthly income
£769
Guaranteed Rent Comparison
If guaranteed rent pays you £792/month (88% of market rate, zero voids, zero management):
Current (after voids)
£769/mo
Guaranteed rent
£792/mo
Guaranteed rent earns you £274 MORE per year with zero hassle
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The Hidden Cost of Void Periods
Most landlords underestimate the true cost of empty periods. It is not just lost rent — you continue to pay the mortgage, council tax, buildings insurance, and potentially utilities during every void. A single 6-week void on a £900/month property can wipe out 3 months of profit.
The UK average void between tenancies is 3–4 weeks, but this varies widely by area, property type, and management quality. HMO landlords often see shorter voids per room but must manage multiple changeovers per year. Portfolio landlords with 5+ properties can expect at least one significant void per year somewhere in their portfolio.
The guaranteed rent alternative: Rather than managing void risk yourself, a guaranteed rent scheme eliminates it entirely. You receive a fixed monthly payment whether the property is occupied or not, for the full 3–5 year lease term.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a void period in property?
A void period is any time your rental property sits empty with no tenant in occupation. During this time, you receive no rent but still pay the mortgage, council tax, utilities, and insurance. The average void period in the UK is 3–4 weeks per tenancy change, but poorly managed properties can experience months of empty time per year.
How much does a void period cost a landlord?
The cost depends on your mortgage, council tax, and insurance obligations. For a typical £1,000/month rental property with a £700 monthly mortgage, a 4-week void period costs approximately £1,000 in lost rent plus £175 in mortgage payments plus roughly £120 in council tax and utilities — totalling around £1,295 for one month empty.
Who pays council tax during a void period?
The landlord is liable for council tax when a property is empty between tenancies. You may be entitled to a 1-month council tax exemption when a property becomes empty, after which full council tax is typically charged. Some councils charge a premium of 100–300% council tax on long-term empty properties.
How can I reduce void periods?
Key strategies include: advertising 6–8 weeks before current tenancy ends, pricing rent at market rate (overpricing is the main cause of voids), maintaining the property well so tenants renew, using a letting agent with an active applicant database, and considering guaranteed rent which eliminates voids entirely.
Does guaranteed rent eliminate void periods?
Yes — under a guaranteed rent scheme, a company leases your property from you and pays you a fixed monthly amount regardless of occupancy. You receive rent even when the property is empty between their tenants. This eliminates void period risk entirely for the duration of the lease.
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