How Letting Agents can prevent void period disputes and keep properties profitable

Void periods don’t have to be stressful.

A void period is the time between one tenant moving out and the next moving in. During this time, letting agents are responsible for making sure utility accounts are updated correctly to avoid billing issues, unnecessary admin and delays.

Notify by One Utility Bill makes managing void periods simple by handling utility notifications, keeping everyone informed and reducing the amount of manual work for your team.

Jump to:

• What a void period is
  
• Who’s responsible for bills during void periods
• How to avoid disputes
  • How to help landlords avoid disputes 
  • How to support tenants through the end-of-tenancy process 
• How One Utility Bill and the Notify service can help

Let’s get you started 👇

A void period is the time between one tenancy ending and another beginning when a property is unoccupied. During this period, utility accounts usually need to transfer into the landlord’s or managing agent’s name until the next tenant moves in.

The bills usually fall to the landlord or agent depending on the contacts between letting agent and landlord and what is stated in the tenancy agreement. 

Common challenges during a void period: 

• Utility accounts left in the wrong name
  
  
• Billing disputes
  
  
• Missed meter readings
  
  
• Delays contacting suppliers
  
  
• Increased administration
  
  
• Poor landlord experience
  
  

💡 Top Tip: Minimise energy consumption without shutting everything down! Setting the heating on a timer prevents damp and mould, maintaining the property's condition. Ensure the refrigerator and freezer remain on and keep alarms active to ensure safety when the property is unoccupied.

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to void period bills. In most cases, the landlord is responsible once the tenancy ends and before the next one begins.

That’s why it’s so important to make utility responsibilities crystal clear in the tenancy agreement.

Here’s what to include:

✍️ Start and end dates for tenant responsibility

💡 Who covers bills during voids

🧾 Clear clauses for energy, water, council tax and TV licence

📸 A simple process for final meter readings and supplier notifications 

Helping landlords through void periods doesn’t have to be stressful. A few smart steps can make all the difference:

• Plan ahead: Line up viewings, cleaning or maintenance before tenants leave

• Notify suppliers: Let every supplier know the property is now vacant

• Be clear on bills: : Ensure tenancy agreements clearly state who pays for utilities during voids and when responsibility changes

• Use Notify: Automate utility registrations to avoid billing mix-ups

• Stay compliant : Remind landlords they are legally responsible for utility bills during void periods

• Keep accurate records: Log key dates, submit final meter readings and and retain confirmation to avoid billing disputes

• Talk early: Chat with landlords before tenancies end to avoid last-minute issues

📸 Need to take meter readings during a void?

Check out: 👉 How letting agents can avoid utility disputes with meter readings

Supporting tenants through the end-of-tenancy process can create a domino effect on your agency as it helps reduce void periods, protects your reputation, and creates smoother handovers.

When tenants know exactly what’s expected of them, they’re more likely to leave the property in good condition and on time. That means fewer delays, faster turnaround between tenancies, and less admin for your team.

📖 Share the Ultimate Moving Home Checklist with your tenants, helping them have a smoother moving home process 

Void periods don’t have to mean stress. With Notify, utility changes are handled automatically, so nothing gets missed, and everyone stays on the same page.

Here’s how we make it easy:

🔄 Auto-switching between tenant and landlords: Notify arranges for the utility accounts to transfer into the landlord or agent’s name.” It sounds more accurate than implying it’s instantaneous

❌ No need to switch suppliers: This means less complications with billings in the void period. Everything will stay with current suppliers creating a smoother handover process for everyone 

🧾 Accurate billing: Every reading, date and confirmation is logged, so billing is accurate and our dedicated team will be there if anything goes wrong. 

📊 Real-time dashboard updates: Track utility status in one simple view. No chasing suppliers or checking emails.

📉 Less admin for you: No more ringing energy suppliers or councils. We handle the notifications and admin so you don’t have to. 

💡 With Notify, you get full visibility, smoother handovers and fewer surprises. One less thing on your to-do list and it's all within one free service. 

Not using Notify yet?

If you’re ready to save time, boost revenue, and take the hassle out of utility management…

👉 Book a demo here today!

One of our experts can help you get started in minutes.