What does a void really cost? (with a worked example)

Voids are deceptively expensive. A 2-week void on a £1,500/month flat isn't just £750 of lost rent.

The real cost of a 2-week void

• Lost rent: £750
• Council tax (no exemption in most councils after 1 month, but some charge from day 1): up to £100
• Utility standing charges: ~£30
• Insurance loading (some insurers add a premium during voids): variable, ~£10
• Mortgage interest still due: £400 if interest-only on a £100k mortgage at 5%

Total real cost: roughly £1,290.

How to shorten a void

1. Start marketing 6-8 weeks before the current tenant leaves (with their consent for viewings).
2. Have the deposit scheme registration and AST ready before the move-in date.
3. Get the gas safety record and EICR done in the void week, not the day before move-in.
4. Use a tenant inbox (/dashboard/applicants) so prospective tenants can apply themselves; you can shortlist and reference within days, not weeks.

How havelo helps with the maths

The dashboard's monthly income widget reflects voids in real time. If you set the property to "Vacant" the income projection drops, so you can see the cost building up day by day.