Void property repairs: get the home ready for the next tenant
Void property repairs are the work done between one tenancy ending and the next starting. Every empty week costs rent, so the job needs a clear order. This page shows what a good void turnaround includes, how to add energy upgrades while the home is empty and what to hand to the next tenant.
Last checked: 21 October 2026.
What happens during a void turnaround
A void turnaround is a short, planned project. It starts with an inspection the day the tenant leaves and ends with a home that is safe, clean and ready to show.
- Inspection and a list of defects, with photographs.
- Safety checks and certificates.
- Repairs to fabric, fittings and services.
- Clearing, cleaning and decoration.
- Meter readings, keys and handover.
We work for landlords and for letting agents who manage voids for several owners.
Void period: why the order of work matters
A void period is lost income, so avoid doing jobs twice. Repairs that disturb plaster or flooring come first. Cleaning and decorating come last.
Start with the inspection
Photograph every room and fitting on the day the keys come back. Compare against the check-in inventory. That record supports any deposit discussion.
Repair before you decorate
Fix leaks, doors, locks and damaged plaster before paint goes on. A fresh coat over an unfixed fault will not last.
Safety checks between tenancies
An empty home is the easiest time to test the electrics and gas. Access is simple and no tenant is disturbed.
Under the 2020 regulations a new tenant must receive the latest electrical report before they occupy. A gas safety record must go to prospective tenants before they move in. Both are In force, as checked on 21 October 2026. Our electrical and gas safety page explains each duty.
Smoke alarms are needed on each storey, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel appliance, according to GOV.UK.
Empty property repairs we commonly do
Empty property repairs vary with the home, but a few jobs recur:
- Re-hanging doors, fixing locks and replacing handles.
- Sealing and replacing worn bath and kitchen seals.
- Plaster patching and making good.
- Replacing damaged flooring in high-wear rooms.
- Fixing radiator valves, taps and minor plumbing leaks.
Larger jobs, such as a new kitchen, move into our refurbishment service.
Clean and decorate for a quicker let
Clean and decorate is the visible half of the turnaround. A clean, neutral home photographs better and is easier to show. Landlords usually choose durable paint, wipe-clean finishes and sealed edges.
Match the finish to the tenant market. Student lets, family homes and professional lets all wear differently. We recommend a finish and keep colour codes on file for next time.
Add energy upgrades while the property is empty
A void is the best moment for work that needs access or disturbs the home. Loft insulation, draught-proofing and new heating controls are easy when nobody lives there.
Our draught-proofing page and heating controls page show the quick ones. The EPC C by 2030 rule is confirmed government policy, not yet law, as at 21 October 2026. A void is a low-disruption time to start. Read the EPC C 2030 guide for the rule.
| Void task | Done by | Hand-over proof |
|---|---|---|
| Defect inspection | Site manager | Dated photographs |
| Gas safety check | Gas Safe registered engineer | Gas safety record |
| Electrical inspection | Qualified person | EICR |
| Repairs and making good | Trades | Completion list |
| Clean and decorate | Decorators and cleaners | Finished-room photographs |
| Energy measures | Accredited installers | Certificates and guarantees |
How void property repairs are priced
Cost depends on the size of the home and its condition. Void turnaround work is quoted after an inspection, because the price depends on the condition of the property.
We price from an inspection and list every item. Agents can ask for a standing rate if they send us several voids.
How we run a void job
- Instruct: you or your agent send the address and key arrangements.
- Inspect: we visit, photograph and list every defect.
- Approve: you receive a written price to approve.
- Complete: trades work in the right order.
- Hand over: we return keys, photographs and certificates.
Adviser tip from a Retrofit Coordinator: ask your insurer what it requires for an empty home, such as regular checks or heating left on. Your policy may set conditions for an empty home, so check before the void starts.
Who delivers the work
Compliant Lets is a trading name of LAMTANS Holdings Ltd. Void work is delivered by LAMTANS Engineering Ltd, which holds Gas Safe registration, PAS 2030, PAS 2035, TrustMark, ICO registration and RECC membership. Check the registers yourself: TrustMark, RECC, ICO, Gas Safe Register and Simply Certification.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Your landlord's safety responsibilities, checked 21 October 2026
- HSE: Gas safety check records and what to keep, checked 21 October 2026
- legislation.gov.uk: Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, checked 21 October 2026
- GOV.UK: Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes, government response, checked 21 October 2026
Designed & developed by LAMTANS Technologies LLC, USA — part of the LAMTANS Group
Frequently asked questions
What are void property repairs?
They are repairs and cleaning carried out while a rented home is empty between tenancies. The aim is a safe, clean home ready for the next tenant.
How long does a void turnaround take?
It depends on the condition and scope. We give a programme with the written price after inspection.
Can letting agents instruct you?
Yes. Agents can send voids on behalf of landlords. See our letting agents page.
Do I need new safety certificates each time?
The gas record is yearly, and the electrical report is renewed at intervals of no more than 5 years. A new tenant must receive the latest of each before moving in.
Can you clear the property?
We can arrange clearance of left items as part of the job. Tell us what the tenancy agreement and inventory say about belongings.
Do you decorate as well?
Yes. Plastering, painting and flooring are included in the turnaround scope. We match the finish to the next tenant market.
Can energy work be done during a void?
Yes, and it is easier with nobody living there. Insulation, draught-proofing and controls suit a void.
Do you take photographs?
Yes. We photograph the home on arrival and again on completion, and send both sets to you.
What if damp or mould is found?
We report it with photographs and quote for treatment. The cause is fixed before decoration, or it will return.
Who holds the keys?
We agree the key arrangement when you instruct us. Keys go back to you or your agent at handover.