Unoccupied Property Checklist

Protecting your property is important, especially when it is to be left unoccupied. Vacancies are a dangerous time for rental properties, because no one will be there to notice potential problems, or prevent break-ins. As well as making sure that you have a specific insurance for unoccupied property policy. The following is a list of actions to be taken the minute your tenants step out the door for the last time.

• Call an unoccupied property insurance company and set up the proper cover immediately.
• Inspect the property for damage and take action on any security deposit.
• Check for any sort of fire hazards former tenants may have left behind.
• Make sure the gas is secure or turned off, and that all electrical appliances are unplugged.
• If it appears that the home will be vacant for some time, it is advisable to have utilities disconnected.
• Inspect cabinets and storage areas for hazardous chemicals, or soiled cleaning rags left around the home.
• Make sure all the locks are certified and in working order, and be sure to close up properly every time you leave.
• Check the property frequently to make sure there have been no intrusions, or break-ins and that there is no evidence of water leaks.
• Practice due diligence and basic fire safety while the property is unoccupied.
• Take the opportunity to apply paint or wallpaper where needed.
• Clean the carpets and floors in order to prepare for new tenants.
• Clean the home extensively, especially the kitchen and bath in order to ensure new tenant appeal.
• Refinish any woodwork, cabinetry or wood furniture that that looks worn.
• Make sure all lamps are in working order and that cords are not frayed.
• Consider installing dimmer light switches in the apartment as a perk for the new tenants, and to make sure the home shows well when trying to rent it.
• Dress the windows with inexpensive voile to keep the home from looking vacant, and to improve its appearance when you show it to potential tenants.
• Get some professional photographs taken and get the property on the market as soon as it is sufficiently cleaned up and repaired.

By rigorously maintaining the property well while it is vacant and visiting it often, you reduce the risks of leaving it unattended. This can cause vandalism (see vandalism and your unoccupied property) These actions will ultimately make it safer and more desirable for future tenants too. Hopefully using these strategies, you’ll see the need for this type of cover. Not convinced? See our related article on ‘unoccupied property insurance – what’s the point?’ If you are lucky enough to maintain a constant stream of tenants, hopefully you won’t need unoccupied property insurance for long at all.