How to safely make a property unoccupied

How to Safely Leave a Property Unoccupied

Properties can become unoccupied for many reasons. A landlord may have a gap between tenancies, a home could be going through probate, or the property may need to remain vacant while a longer-term decision is made.

Whatever the reason, preparing an empty property involves more than switching off the lights and locking the front door. Taking a few practical precautions can reduce the risk of damage, theft and financial loss.

Check Your Insurance

Standard home insurance may not provide adequate cover once a property becomes unoccupied. Some policies restrict cover after the property has been empty for 30 or 60 consecutive days, while others may not automatically include a second property.

If the property is likely to remain vacant for an extended period, consider specialist unoccupied property insurance. This can provide a more flexible, longer-term solution for the risks associated with an empty home.

Always check the policy wording carefully, including:

• How the insurer defines an unoccupied property

• The maximum period of cover

• Any inspection or maintenance requirements

• Whether utilities must be switched off

• Which risks, exclusions and excesses apply

Secure Every Entry Point

The longer a property remains empty, the greater the potential risk of burglary, theft, vandalism or unauthorised access.

Keep existing security systems active and consider installing an alarm or CCTV. Doors, windows, skylights and garage doors should be securely closed and locked. Where appropriate, use locks that meet current British Standards and the requirements of your insurance policy.

Any damaged, missing or weakened entry points should be repaired promptly. Window bars or security panels may provide additional protection where normal locks are insufficient.

Avoid leaving keys outside the property or in an obvious hiding place.

Keep Up Appearances

A property that clearly looks empty may attract unwanted attention. Simple maintenance can help create the impression that the home is still occupied.

Useful precautions include:

• Mowing the lawn and trimming hedges

• Clearing rubbish, leaves and debris

• Collecting post and removing deliveries

• Opening and closing curtains periodically

• Using timers to switch lights on and off

• Keeping external lighting in working order

• Avoiding visible signs announcing that the property is vacant

Ask a trusted person to vary the timing of visits where possible, rather than creating an obvious routine.

Decide What to Do With the Utilities

Whether utilities should remain connected depends on the property, the season and the length of time it will be vacant.

Turning off the gas, electricity and water could reduce costs and help prevent certain problems. However, switching everything off may not always be appropriate. During colder weather, for example, some heating may be needed to protect pipes against freezing and reduce condensation or damp.

Your insurance policy may also require you to:

• Turn off certain utilities

• Drain the water system

• Maintain a minimum temperature

• Keep the heating running at specified times

• Arrange professional winterisation

Follow the terms of your policy and seek professional advice before disconnecting essential services.

For many recently unoccupied residential properties, Guardcover allows customers to choose whether utility-related conditions are included in their cover, subject to the policy terms.

Inspect the Property Regularly

Without regular inspections, minor issues can quickly become expensive problems. A leaking pipe, broken window or pest infestation may go unnoticed for weeks in an empty home.

Property checks should look for:

• Water leaks, damp and mould

• Storm or weather damage

• Signs of forced entry or vandalism

• Pest activity

• Overgrown vegetation, including invasive ivy

• Uncollected post or rubbish

• Evidence of squatters or unauthorised occupation

• Problems with alarms, locks or lighting

Keep a written and photographic record of every inspection, including the date, time and any action taken. This documentation may be important if you later need to make an insurance claim.

If you cannot inspect the property yourself, arrange for a trusted neighbour, friend, family member or specialist property-management company to do so.

For many recently unoccupied residential properties, Guardcover also offers the option to exclude regular documented property visits, depending on the cover selected and the applicable policy terms.

Complete Essential Maintenance

Before leaving the property vacant, deal with any existing maintenance problems. Clear gutters, repair loose roof tiles, fix leaking taps and remove food or other items likely to attract pests.

It is also sensible to:

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

• Service security equipment

• Remove valuables from view

• Store important documents securely

• Check boundary fences and gates

• Redirect post where appropriate

• Give emergency contact details to a trusted person

These preventative measures can reduce the likelihood of a small defect becoming a serious loss.

Avoid a Long-Term Vacancy Where Possible

A short period without occupants may be unavoidable, but leaving a property vacant for years can lead to deterioration, security problems and complaints from the surrounding community.

Where appropriate, consider renting the property privately or working with a local council, letting agent or housing association. This could provide much-needed housing while generating income and giving the property the protection that regular occupation provides.

In some circumstances, councils and other public authorities may have powers to address properties that remain empty for long periods. Bringing the property back into use sooner can help avoid additional costs and intervention.

A Final Checklist

Before leaving the property unoccupied:

1. Tell your insurer and confirm that suitable cover is in place.

2. Read the policy conditions, including inspection and utility requirements.

3. Secure all entry points and activate alarms or CCTV.

4. Remove valuables and important documents.

5. Arrange ongoing maintenance for gardens and external areas.

6. Manage post and deliveries so they do not accumulate.

7. Decide how to manage utilities, heating and water.

8. Schedule regular inspections and document each visit.

9. Provide emergency contact details to someone nearby.

10. Review your long-term plans to minimise the period of vacancy.

Taking these steps cannot eliminate every risk, but it can make an unoccupied property safer, easier to manage and better protected against avoidable financial loss.