4 Tips for Handling Vacant Rental Properties in Cardiff, Newport & South Wales

What Problems Can Arise with a Vacant Rental Property?

When a rental property is unoccupied, it becomes vulnerable in several ways:

• Undetected damage – Water leaks, storm damage, or electrical faults can go unnoticed, leading to expensive repairs.

• Vandalism and break-ins – Empty homes are more attractive to vandals, thieves, or even squatters.

• Maintenance issues – Damp, mould, pests, and stale air can quickly develop in vacant properties.

• Insurance risks – Many landlord insurance policies in the UK offer limited cover once a property is unoccupied.

So how can landlords in Cardiff, Newport, and South Wales reduce these risks?

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1. Inform Your Insurer Immediately

If your rental property becomes vacant, notify your insurer as soon as possible. Most landlord insurance policies only cover empty properties for up to 30 consecutive days. After that, you’ll likely need unoccupied property insurance.

Your insurer may also require specific precautions, such as:

• Turning off the gas

• Draining the water system

• Maintaining low-level heating during winter

Failure to comply could invalidate your insurance, leaving you financially exposed. This is especially important during colder South Wales winters, where frozen pipes are a common issue.

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2. Carry Out Regular Property Inspections

Even when empty, your rental property should never be “out of sight, out of mind.” Arrange weekly inspections, either yourself or through a property management company.

During inspections:

• Check doors and windows are secure

• Look for leaks, damp, or signs of mould

• Ventilate the property briefly

• Remove post and flyers to avoid advertising vacancy

To further protect your property:

• Use timer switches on lights

• Install motion-sensor security lighting

• Keep gardens and exteriors well maintained

These simple steps can help deter intruders and reduce long-term maintenance issues.

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3. Deep Clean Between Tenancies

Void periods are the ideal time to refresh your rental property. A professional deep clean can make a huge difference when re-letting.

Focus on:

• Carpets and flooring

• Windows

• Kitchen appliances

• Bathrooms and sanitaryware

Remove any leftover rubbish immediately, as it can attract pests or lead to fly-tipping. A clean, fresh property not only protects your investment but also helps attract new tenants faster — reducing vacancy time across Cardiff, Newport, and surrounding areas.

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4. Use a Property Management Company in South Wales

Managing a vacant rental can be time-consuming and stressful. If you’d prefer a hands-off approach, a local property management company can handle everything for you.

At Redkey, we support landlords across Cardiff, Newport, and South Wales by:

• Carrying out regular vacant property inspections

• Arranging cleaning and maintenance

• Ensuring insurance compliance

• Marketing properties to minimise void periods

Our goal is to protect your investment while securing reliable tenants as quickly as possible.

📞 Call us on 01633 387970
📧 Email: hello@redkeylets.co.uk

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FAQs: Managing a Vacant Rental Property in Cardiff & South Wales

How long can my rental property stay empty before insurance is affected?

Most UK landlord insurance policies cover vacancies for around 30 days. After this, unoccupied property insurance is usually required.

How can I make an empty property look occupied?

Use light timers, remove post regularly, keep the exterior tidy, and install motion-sensor lighting.

Should heating be left on in a vacant property?

Yes — particularly in winter. Low-level heating helps prevent frozen pipes, damp, and mould.

Can a property management company look after a vacant property?

Yes. A professional property management company in South Wales can inspect, maintain, clean, and re-let your property efficiently.