Void Property Turnaround: The Complete Checklist

A void period costs money. Every day a rental property sits empty is a day of lost rent, and the longer a property is off the market, the more pressure there is to accept a tenant quickly rather than the right tenant.

A well-organised turnaround, where everything is done in the right order by reliable contractors, can get most two or three bedroom properties back on the market within 5–7 working days. Here's exactly how we approach it.

Step 1: Check-out inspection

Before a single contractor sets foot in the property, complete a thorough check-out inspection and compare it against the original inventory. Document everything with photos and video.

Step 2: End of tenancy clean

The clean comes first, before any decorating, repairs, or flooring. There's no point painting walls that then get dirtied by a deep clean, or fitting new carpets before the oven has been degreased.

A professional end of tenancy clean typically takes 4–6 hours for a two-bedroom property and should cover every room, including carpets, kitchen appliances, bathrooms, and all surfaces. See our full end of tenancy cleaning checklist for the room-by-room breakdown.

Step 3: Repairs and maintenance

Once the property is clean, it's much easier to identify what needs fixing. Walk through the property and make a list of all items, both urgent (safety-related) and routine.

Step 4: Painting and decorating

Fresh paint makes an enormous difference to how quickly a property lets. Even if the walls are technically 'clean', scuffed or yellowed paintwork makes a property feel tired and unloved.

The rule of thumb: if it's been more than 3–4 years, or if there's any visible damage or marking, repaint. A full repaint of a two-bedroom property typically takes one to two days and adds significant value to how quickly the property lets.

• Use a durable, washable emulsion, not basic trade matt
• Neutral tones throughout (warm white, light grey, pale greige) for broadest appeal
• Don't forget ceilings and woodwork. They're often what ages a property.
• Touch-ups are rarely enough. Fresh basecoats read differently on camera.

Step 5: Flooring

Flooring is the second biggest visual impact after paint. Tired, stained, or thin carpet makes a property look cheap regardless of how well everything else is done.

• Carpets: professionally clean first. If marks remain, replace.
• Hard floors: deep clean and assess for damage; scratches on laminate are often irreparable
• Vinyl: inspect edges and joints for lifting; replace if cracked or stained
• Consider upgrading to luxury vinyl tile (LVT) in high-traffic areas for better durability and easier cleaning between tenancies

Step 6: Garden and exterior

First impressions start at the kerb. An overgrown garden or neglected exterior signals to potential tenants that the landlord doesn't take care of the property.

Step 7: Compliance checks

Before marketing the property, ensure all legal compliance certificates are in order. Missing any of these can delay a tenancy start date and expose you to significant liability.