How to keep a vacant Property Safe?
Introduction
Landlords may locate themselves with vacant property for a multiple of reasons such as because of the renovation process, difficulties connecting with tenants. Vacant property can endure the significant danger. Some of the most prominent warnings to vacant homes are pretended by weather-related phenomena like storm injury, or flooding. Damage caused because of these natural calamities can be destructive and happen with minimal warning or notice.
Except for the damage caused by Nature, there are some more obstacles which vacant property faces are exceptionally helpless. The best example is a criminal activity. Without the unfavorable impact of tenants and the neighbors, a vacant property is a winning destination for offenders and thieves. They may plan to remove the copper pipes, appliances, and sometimes simply make damage to the property. However, the landlords are the one who has to pay for it.
To protect your vacant property from damage, consider the following tips:
Lock and Secure all Doors & Windows
One of the most important and first step is to lock all the doors and windows securely. In addition, ensure that all doors and windows are locked with added padlocks as required.
If you are far away from your property, you can also consider leaving an extra key with trusted neighbour, friends or relative in the nearby location. This way you can check on the property whenever needed or to let someone inside or for routine maintenance and cleaning. Also make sure to shut off the water and drain the pipes. There have been instances of people who failed to do this and their house was flooded. It is also important to remove unwanted items and valuables from your vacant property.
Execute routine maintenance
A home left unattended will start to deteriorate over a period of time. You have to do regular property maintenance by yourself or you can take the help of a property maintenance service or trusted relative, friend or neighbour. Whatever the case is, it is crucial to make sure the cleaning & maintenance is done regularly. This process will give an impression that there is a constant presence of people at the property and will also serve as an obstacle to illegal activity on the property. Additionally, it will also help to detect the problems before they get converted to more significant issues. For example, leakage of pipe, damage caused by natural calamities or pest, entry of birds / animals and take appropriate action to prevent the same.
During regular maintenance – run the water regularly and flush all toilets, run the amenities (like air conditioners, water filter etc) regularly, open the windows and doors periodically to get rid of the vacant house smell, collect and remove mails / magazines / newpapers (or have them delivered to appropriate address), check and secure doors and windows, check for signs of damages or forced entry, check for any birds / animal entry, check on all the doors & locks.
Fire prevention
Ensure that the outside surface of the property is free from papers, cardboard, and any other fire-friendly trashes, and also flammable substances. It is also advisable to switch off the Main Electricity Power to prevent any unforeseen short circuit.
Use Technology, Security & Surveillance
Locate outstanding security cameras encompassing the property. You can also consider motion light detectors. These lights will turn on if someone walks around your property. Any intruder is less likely to get into your property when there is a spot light on him. You can also think of installing timers to switch on and switch off lights so that intruders will get a feeling that someone is inside the house.
Conclusion
Like how one size does not fit all, you have to understand what all needs to be done to take care of your vacant property depending on the type of property, amenities in the property, neighbourhood, etc. Guarding your vacant property while it is vacant necessitates a moment of foresight.
If you are going to be away from your property for a long time, it is best advisable to hire a Professional Property Management Company.