A timeline of tenancy void periods in real estate investment

By Alice Dunn | Bricksave

March 10, 2025

News > Blog Article > A timeline of tenancy void periods …

As a real estate investor, it’s crucial to undersatnd that tenancy void periods, while unfortunate, are an occasional reality of property management. These periods, where a rental property is unoccupied, are often beyond the property manager’s control. While rare, they do require careful planning and management to minimise their impact. For a deeper dive into this topic, we previously hosted a webinar exploring strategies to address tenancy voids and replied to some questions from the community.

You can watch the full session on YouTube (in Spanish).

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What causes tenancy void periods?

Tenancy void periods can arise for a variety of reasons, including:

• Lease expirations

• Evictions, which can lead to sudden vacancies and require significant time to resolve. For more on evictions, and in particular Housing Choice Voucher evictions, read our article on evictions in the USA.

• Unexpected tenant issues such as job relocations or personal changes.

How Bricksave manages tenancy void periods

At Bricksave, we employ a structured timeline to manage tenancy void periods effectively, ensuring properties are well-maintained and ready for new tenants promptly. It’s important to note that the duration of this process can vary significantly based on the extent of repairs or maintenance required—in some cases, it may be much shorter.

Preparing for tenant departure

Day -30: Either the tenant or Bricksave provides notice to terminate the lease.

Day 0: The property manager receives the keys and transfers utility accounts to prevent unnecessary charges.

Property assessment and maintenance

Week 1: The property manager inspects the property, changes the locks, and performs an inventory checkout if a deposit was paid. In colder climates like Chicago or Detroit, winterising is essential, involving tasks like insulating pipes, sealing cracks, and removing snow. In warmer climates like Miami or San Antonio, summerising is crucial, focusing on HVAC systems, lawn aeration, and cleaning gutters.

Week 2: After a thorough inspection, the property manager requests quotes for necessary maintenance or renovations. In cities like Chicago, we rely on trusted, licensed, and insured contractors. Elsewhere, we secure multiple quotes to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Renovations and compliance

Weeks 3-7: Once quotes are reviewed and approved, contractors begin work. The property manager closely monitors progress and ensures quality upon completion. In cities like Philadelphia, local preservation laws may limit the scope of renovations, but we adhere to these requirements.

Finding the right tenant

Weeks 8-14: The property is listed, and a comprehensive tenant screening process begins. This include a 27-point checklist containing questions about, among others:

• Credit and income verification

• Employer references

• Checks for prior convictions or evictions

Weeks 15-18: Once a suitable tenant is found, the lease agreement is signed, typically for an initial term of 12 months, with the tenant moving in over the following 2 weeks.

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Conclusion

While void periods are sometimes unavoidable, proactive management and meticulous planning can significantly reduce their frequency and impact. At Bricksave, our streamlined approach ensures properties are swiftly prepared for new tenants, safeguarding your investment and maximising rental income. For more insights and updates on real estate investment strategies, explore our blog further to read more articles or get in touch with our team via WhatsApp.