The void period between tenancies is when small repairs can sink your re-let timeline. A broken cooker hood extractor or a lock that won't latch will scare off viewing applicants — even when the rest of the property shows well. Canterbury's rental market is dominated by student HMOs around the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church and the city walls, plus a healthy supply of professional lets in Wincheap, St Dunstan's and Sturry Road. HMOs and listed buildings push compliance burden well above the national average for a town this size.
Fair wear and tear (you cannot deduct): faded paint, slightly worn carpet in walking lines, minor scuffs at door height. Damage (you can deduct, with evidence): cigarette burns, pet stains, broken fittings, missing items. The TDS site has detailed guidelines that Canterbury adjudicators rely on.
Redecorate every 3–4 years on a single colour wall, sooner on rentals to professionals (white walls show every mark). Spot-touch up on shorter voids — full repaint between every tenant pushes void periods past 2 weeks and rarely pays back.
Standard 2-bed flat: handyman half-day (£140–£200), repaint living areas 2 days (£250–£500), professional clean half-day (£140–£200). Total turnaround typically 3–5 working days.
Only if the existing certs are within 60 days of expiry, or if work has been done that affects them. New tenants must receive copies before they move in, regardless of expiry — keep them in the welcome pack.
Most Canterbury landlords use a specialist end-of-tenancy cleaner (£140–£250 for a 2-bed) rather than a domestic cleaner. The deep clean covers oven, fridge, descaling, hob, extractor, all skirting and behind appliances — items normal cleans skip.
Tell us the property and what's needed. We'll route to Canterbury handymen, painters and trade specialists.