The Simple Guide to Keeping Your Vacant Property Safe

Protect and Secure Your Vacant Property

Unfortunately, if you don’t take the necessary measures to protect and secure your property you may return one day to see it has been home to unwanted visitors like vandals, squatters, or even thieves. Here are some solid practices for keeping your place safe.

• Make Nice with Your Neighbors: This may seem silly, but vigilant friends can be a great first line of defense. If your property has neighbors that are inhabiting their property it’s a good idea to befriend them. Share phone numbers and other contact info and ask them to get in touch with you if anything appears out of the ordinary when you’re away.
• Speak with your Insurance Provider: There are a few different routes with this option and they all depend on the state of your property. If you have a building or home that has become vacant and will remain vacant, you must inform your insurer. If you own vacant land that has no structures, there is actually insurance available for them. Do your research and make sure you cover all your bases.
• Stay on Top of Maintenance: An unkempt property that appears to have been abandoned is a surefire way to invite unwanted attention seemingly. Regular waste removal and site clearance can help make your property look less empty, plus it’ll make your neighbors happy. If your property is far from you then hire a service that will regularly go through your property once a month or bimonthly.
• Obvious Security Measures: Changing locks, securing windows, putting up signs that warn of surveillance and alarm systems are all classic and necessary steps to take when securing a vacant property. Adding fences or other barriers are also great lines of defense to keeping vandals out.
• Periodic Visits: Regular visits and monitoring are simple and effective ways to keep your property safe. If this isn’t possible for you look into concierge services in the area that can help you monitor or manage. The key is to keep the time between visits as little as possible.
• Consult an Expert: If you’re not sure where to begin, we recommend getting an expert opinion. There are specialist companies that can assess risks presented from vacant properties; this may be things like public liability exposure, the potential for damage caused by squatters, or even fire hazard.

(Source: by Caroline Kirby)