How to avoid a void
As a professional landlord, the last thing you want is an empty property in Southend. Here are a few tips from our Office Manager, Martin Ransom, which could help you to avoid a void.
- Look into the main reasons why tenants give notice. This way you can try to overcome the issues that make people want to leave. It may be something simple like continued slow responses to repair requests which can easily be addressed; especially if you engage a Lettings Agency in Southend to manage your property maintenance for you.
- When marketing your property for rent in Southend, try to use photographs that show the interior at its best. When viewing details online, the majority of prospective tenants look at the first photo shown for around 10 seconds before deciding whether to read on or click through to the next property listing. You only have a short timeframe to impress!
- Understand what makes a property hard to let. By doing so you can tackle any issues at your own properties which may help increase your chances of letting quickly. Typical tenant turn-offs include lack of natural light, shortage of storage space, a shower but no bath and stained sanitary ware.
- Be realistic about rental values and if necessary, consider lowering the rent. It’s better to have 80% of something than 100% of nothing! If that’s not feasible, offer a discount on the first month’s rent to tempt tenants into signing on the dotted line. Speak to a professional Lettings Agent in Southend who will be able to give you advice on local rental values.
- Widen the list of tenants you will allow to live in your property. A professional letting agent will be able to help you mitigate the pitfalls of pets and people receiving housing benefit. You can then advertise and appeal to a broader audience. Certain Southend Lettings Agencies will offer to find these tenants for you.
- When prospective tenants are viewing your property, explain why the previous tenants moved out and how long they stayed – being unable to provide this may make you look evasive. Also, know the running costs of the property– heating, council tax, water, electricity. Most tenants will expect to know these figures before they commit. Having these figures to hand may speed up the rental process.
- And finally, try to ensure good tenants stay longer by simply giving good service: Follow up on complaints quickly, undertake repairs quickly and at a time that works for the tenant, be polite and professional.
We are happy to offer half an hour of face-to-face advice to local landlords in difficult situations free of charge. Please telephone and ask to speak to Martin, Marcus or Crystal.
Martin Ransom is Office Manager at Pace, an independent Southend on Sea Letting Agent.
With nearly 25 years experience in the property industry, Martin is well placed in his role as Branch Manager for Pace.
After joining the business in 2010 Martin took it upon himself to foster excellent customer service among the team and this continues to position Pace as a leader in its field today.
