What should a void property standard include?

Clearance

Every item left by the previous occupant should be removed, including furniture, white goods, carpets the provider doesn't want to keep, loft contents and garden waste. Sheds, bin stores and outbuildings are easy to miss, so list them. Waste should go through licensed carriers with waste transfer notes kept.

Safety first

Before anyone starts cleaning, the property should be checked for sharps, drug paraphernalia and biohazards, with a needle sweep if there's any history of drug use. Utility safety checks such as gas and electrical inspections are normally arranged separately, but the standard should say when they happen in the void process.

Cleaning to a defined level

Spell out the finish for each room: kitchens degreased inside and out, including cupboards, ovens and extractor hoods; bathrooms descaled and sanitised; windows, frames and sills cleaned inside; skirting, doors, switches and sockets wiped down; floors cleaned to suit their type. Vague wording like 'clean throughout' leads to disputes.

Odour, mould and pests

Include what happens if there is odour, mould or signs of pests. Surface mould should be treated and the cause recorded for the repairs team. Pest activity should be referred for treatment before the property is cleaned, or the clean may need repeating.

Reporting and sign-off

Ask for before and after photos of every room, a note of any defects or damage spotted, and keys returned to an agreed location. Good reporting means voids teams can approve the work remotely and the property moves to the next stage faster.

Timescales

Set target turnaround times for standard and heavy voids. A standard void is often completed in a day, while properties with heavy clearance, biohazards or sharps take longer. Clear targets help you measure contractor performance and reduce rent loss.

This article is general information, not legal or medical advice. If you need help with a specific situation, call us on 0208 050 7207.