Buy-to-let landlords 'need to understand tenants'

Posted: 30 Apr 2010 10:59:05 GMT

The key to avoiding void periods in a buy-to-let property is for landlords to ensure they understand their tenant base, it has been suggested.

James Davis, chief executive of upad.co.uk, speaking at the Avoid the Voids webinar, says: "Make sure your property is geared up according to who you're actually letting to, rather than just taking a general viewpoint."

He states that landlords should always establish a relationship with their tenants so they are able to communicate any problems they may have before small matters turn into big issues.

Mr Davis goes on to suggest that he would advise against being an "armchair investor", as a hands-on approach is a much better way to run a buy-to-let property.

His comments come in response to new data from the National Landlords Association, which shows that 52 per cent of landlords have experienced void periods in the 12 months up until March 2010.

However, the average duration of a buy-to-let property being vacant dropped from 19 days in 2009 to 17 days.

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