Re-letting a vacant property: the ins and outs
What happens when it’s time for us to relet an empty home? We spoke to Michael Rose, our Lettings and Leasehold Service Manager, about the process.
What’s your role and what are you responsible for?
I manage the Lettings and Leasehold team that deals with re-letting our vacant homes, which we call voids. We make sure properties aren’t left empty longer than they need to be and allocate them to those most in need. Our goal is to make sure lettings are sustainable and create happy tenants and happy communities, whilst keeping the costs associated with empty homes down.
What is a void?
A void is effectively an empty home that a customer has moved out of. We make sure it’s fit for a new tenant and then find one for it.
We prefer to start the process of advertising the property and finding a new tenant before the previous resident has moved out, so it doesn’t stay vacant too long, but that may not always work out. We have a four-week termination period and in that time, usually two weeks in, we’ll visit to look at the condition of the property, including fixtures and fittings and any medical adaptations that may have been made.
What’s the process of getting a property ready for the next resident?
Once the previous resident leaves, someone from the Voids team will cap the gas off, change the locks and draw up a list of work that needs completing. Property Services will carry the work out and at the end, the voids supervisor will sign it off, making sure nothing has been missed. My team will stay in contact with the Voids team throughout this period and look for potential residents.
Are there any issues you face when dealing with a void?
Abandonment – if someone leaves the property without notifying us, it’s very likely it’s not in the best condition inside, so it will take time to get it up to standard. We usually know when a property is abandoned, but we have to give residents 28 days to respond to a notice to quit (NTQ), which means re-letting is stalled.
People also leave things behind, and it can take a while for us to find out where they need to go. We’ve had cases of abandoned pets, vehicles and medical equipment.
All of this causes homes to stay empty longer than needed, meaning potential residents in need of a new home are waiting longer.
What are the rules around home improvements? 
Residents need to get permission from Connect to go ahead with any home improvements or DIY. This is because we must consider potential risks including fire safety and evacuation, as well as future use for the property. If they are given permission, it’s usually on the condition that the home is returned to its original state before they move out. If it isn’t, or there’s been unauthorised works to the home, we can charge them for it. We consider all reasonable requests, and decisions are made on an individual basis.
What are some things residents can do when they move out to make the process as smooth as possible?
The best thing to do is leave the property, including the garden, in the same condition it was given in – that means clean and clear, with no damage, leftover rubbish or personal belongings. Other than flooring and window coverings, it should be empty. If there’s anything in poor condition, such as dirty or worn carpets, we might ask the resident to remove those too.
Rent accounts also need to be clear when the tenancy ends. If there’s any credit on the account, we’ll arrange to pay that back
If you’d like to find out more, watch our Voids Podcast below.
