Why occupancy matters
An empty unit still costs you security, service charges and, often, loan repayments. A single vacant month a year on each unit can cancel out much of a rent increase. Tracking occupancy closely is one of the simplest ways to protect your income.
The numbers to track
- Occupancy rate: occupied units divided by total units.
- Vacant days per unit: how long each unit stays empty between tenants.
- Notices given: tenants who have said they are leaving, so you can advertise early.
- Arrears: occupied units that are not paying. A unit in arrears is often worse than an empty one.
Reducing vacant months
- Advertise as soon as notice is given. Start viewings during the notice period so the next tenant can move in right after the current one leaves.
- Turn units around quickly. Agree on standard repairs and repainting with your caretaker so units are ready within days.
- Price to the area. A unit that sits empty for two months at a high rent earns less than one let immediately at a fair rent.
- Keep good tenants. Fix repairs promptly and communicate clearly. Retaining a tenant is cheaper than finding a new one.
Handling notices
Record the date each notice is given and the planned move-out date, check the unit's condition before the tenant leaves, and settle the deposit refund against the move-in inspection notes.
How NestGrid helps
NestGrid shows every unit across your properties in one grid, marking which are occupied, which are vacant and which have notice given. Rent paid through M-Pesa is matched to the right tenant, so you can see arrears without reconciling statements by hand.