The article explains that timing the end of a lease to coincide with the November to March peak leasing period can help investors secure more applications, choose better tenants and achieve higher rent. Conversely, vacancies during the quieter April to October months may result in slower leasing and the need to reduce rent or accept lower-quality tenants. Reasons for seasonal demand include the school/university calendar, weather and lifestyle changes, employment cycles and relocation patterns.

Key strategies for landlords:

1. Adjust lease terms so that expiries fall within the high-demand period.
2. Offer incentives to encourage tenants to align their lease end dates with the prime season.
3. Stay ahead of lease expiries by contacting tenants three months before their lease ends.
4. Stagger lease expiries across your portfolio to avoid having all properties vacant at once.

The article concludes that planning ahead and aligning lease end dates with the seasonal cycle will maximise rent and minimise vacancy periods.