You can’t find a tenant for your rental. Your business has closed. You or a loved one is moving into an assisted living facility. What do these situations all have in common? They might leave you with a vacant property.
While the circumstances are different, your goal will generally be the same. You want to keep your home or business safe and secure from crime, natural disasters, and other types of harm.
Locking all doors and windows is an obvious first step in securing a vacant property. But, if you want to do so thoroughly, there are other steps you should take to ensure the building is safe. Keep reading to learn the top nine tips to secure vacant property.
Related: Home Security in Austin
1. Invest in a Security System
A sound security system is one of the best ways to secure your property. But choosing one can be a little overwhelming. It’s most important to choose one that meets your needs.
If your house is empty, choosing a security system with cameras and motion sensors is vital. This can allow you to occasionally peek in and check the condition of the house without actually going to the property.
You may also want to choose a system that has automatic triggers. If something happens, the system will alert you (and the police if you choose). For instance, if a window is broken or there’s motion inside the house, you can receive an alert. You may even be able to choose smoke and fire systems that can automatically notify first responders.
2. Protect Against Water
Water can be incredibly damaging to a building. Even a little bit can cause rot and deterioration, leading to weakness in the structure. Since it works quickly, a small problem could soon grow if it goes unnoticed.
To prevent this, always turn off the water supply to fixtures that will not be used. Most commonly, these will be in bathrooms and kitchens. In addition, you should drain the pipes.
However, never turn off the water supply to an automatic fire sprinkler system. You want to keep this going in case of a fire.
Related: Are Home Security Systems Worth It? What You Need To Know
3. Adjust the temperature
Freezing weather is not too much of a concern in the Austin area. But, those occasional cold days could lead to frozen pipes.
Keep your heating set to at least 55 degrees F. This will help keep pipes from freezing and bursting.
4. Pay Attention to the Weather
If you experience a strong storm, you should check in on the building afterward. The most important thing to look for is any signs of damage on the roof. This shouldn’t take too long but could save you a lot of hassle down the road.
In addition, make sure to look inside the buildings. A periodic inspection for leaks and water stains can help you catch water damage before it gets too bad. You’re most likely to see these signs in the time after a storm or rain event.
Also, keep the gutters clear of debris. Doing so will allow rainwater to quickly move away from the building, preventing it from entering the interior.
Looking to keep your business safe from fire? Learn more about our commercial fire alarms today!
5. Maintain the Property
You don’t want your property to look like it’s vacant. If it does, it may seem like an easy target for crime. Make sure to tidy up outside the building and remove any litter. You should also have the landscaping taken care of occasionally.
It doesn’t have to look beautiful. The goal here is to make it look used. If you want to make it easier, hire a local landscaper.
6. Discourage Pests
Pests can be the downfall of a vacant property. If no one is around to see them, the problem can grow quite large very quickly. Before leaving the property, make sure there is no food, water, or anything else that might attract pests.
In addition, you should occasionally monitor the property for signs of pests. Catching the problem early can be critical. If you need assistance getting rid of or preventing pests, call a local pest control professional.
7. Tell the Authorities and Your Neighbors
If you are leaving the property vacant, make sure to tell your local police this. They can keep an eye out for anything suspicious. If there is an incident, it’s also best that they know the situation so they can respond accordingly.
Depending on your relationship, you may also want to notify your neighbors. This is especially good if the property is a house. A neighbor can easily see if there have been any suspicious disturbances recently and give you a call. Plus, the neighbor will probably appreciate the heads up so they are not confused about the state of the property.
Related: Home Security: Everything You Need To Know
8. Talk to Your Insurance Company
If your home or property is empty for a set period of time, your homeowner policy may not fully cover it anymore. Generally, your home is considered vacant if it’s empty for over 30 to 60 days.
To keep it protected, you should consult your insurance company. They can advise you on a vacant home policy that will provide the protection you need.
In fact, a vacant home policy can better cover you against perils that are more likely to occur when your home is empty. For example, coverage due to storm damage is available. Plus, you may be able to add coverage for vandalism or mischief.
Your agent will be able to build a policy that meets your needs.
9. Use Smart Technology
Home automation and other technology can be a huge help in securing a vacant property. For instance, you can install Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks on your doors. With these, you can unlock the building for maintenance. Then, you’ll get notifications to assure you that the door has been closed and locked later.
A smart thermostat can also help. You can choose one that works with Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa. If you need to adjust the temperature, you can do so right from your smartphone. This can be key in allowing you to change it to prevent freezing pipes if the temperatures suddenly drop.
Want to keep your vacant property secure while allowing maintenance personnel to enter? Check out our keyless entry options!
Secure Your Vacant Property
Keeping your vacant property secure is vital if you want to prevent damage and stress. Start by getting a sound security system and talking to your insurance company. You should also continue to maintain the property and occasionally have someone check on it.
By doing these nine things, you can rest easier that your property will be safer.