A landlord may not have a tenant occupying a property for several reasons. A property could stand empty for weeks, months or potentially years before the next tenant moves in, particularly if demand is low or the price is too high.
During this time, the property can naturally deteriorate or be at risk of vandalism and squatting. Vacant or void property cleaning is specifically designed to clean, decontaminate and restore a property to a standard where it can be occupied by paying tenants.
What is a void property?
A void property is a residence or commercial building without an active tenant. It could be due to a wait for a new occupant, the sale of the property or sudden vacating of a property due to an eviction notice or a tenant passing away – each leaving the building empty.
While the normal cycling of tenants can leave a property empty for a few days or a week, a void property is empty for a much longer period. Managing voids is the responsibility of the landlord or lettings management service.
Good void management can maximise rent and increase profit for the property owner. It can mean less waiting for potential new tenants to move in, and fewer repairs and refurbishments in the future as the building is maintained to a better standard.
When should a void property cleaning take place?
When a property is vacated, certain inspections should be undertaken by the landlord or lettings agency. If repairs and cleaning are needed at that time, then an end of tenancy cleaning service can be booked.
Ideally, a property should be properly cleaned before a tenant views it or moves in. Certain standards need to be achieved for a property to be let in the UK: the recent Decent Homes Standard, which applies to both private and social housing.
A void property will need to meet the five criteria before it can be re-let. Among the criteria are that it is free from serious hazards, free of damp and mould and in a reasonable state of repair.
If your property has been empty for several weeks or months and has failed to meet standards, a void property cleaning is recommended. A void cleaning service can deal with any mould, biohazards and general repairs to ensure the property is habitable.
