It is easy to assume that unoccupied properties don’t need maintenance but this is far from reality. An unoccupied home presents challenges that must be addressed. For example, what happens to the lawn and backyard if the property is not maintained for months? This article outlines the steps that you can take to ensure that your vacant property is managed properly.
Risks of leaving your property unattended
Empty properties that are left unattended will start to fall apart over time. There are many things that can go wrong in an unattended house. For example, tree roots can outgrow and broken sewer pipes or a crack in the wall can expand over time if left unrepaired. Destructive pests are also more likely to move into vacant homes. Water might damage the house if pipes start leaking with no one to fix them. Vacant Property Management prevents these problems from spiraling out of control.
Top tips for managing a vacant property.
- Maintain the pristine condition of your empty property.
Keeping the house in good condition shows that it is lived in or at least visited regularly. This tends to make it more attractive to potential buyers or renters while deterring vandalism at the same time. Some of the most critical things to look out for in vacant home management are;
- Snow removal. Shovel the sidewalks in front of your property to keep them free of snow and ice in winter.
- Sump pump. Install a sump pump on your property to avoid damage from flooding.
- Roof. Ensure that your roof is always in proper condition to prevent damage from the elements. Keep an eye out for leaks regularly.
- Temperature. Keep the temperature above 55 degrees in winter to avoid pipe damage and above 85 degrees in summer to prevent mold damage from humidity.
- Gutters. Regularly check your gutters to make sure they’re not clogged.
- Show signs of active occupancy
An occupied property attracts less attention from burglars and vandals. You can achieve this by;
- Setting up lights on an automatic timer
- Leave the first-floor curtains closed with the upper-floor curtains open
- Make regular but visible changes such as outdoor decorations
- Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway
- Check and update your insurance policy
Most insurance companies consider unoccupied property as a liability. It is important to check if your cover has changed. Ask about policies such as “Unoccupied Home Cover” that apply to your property which adds another layer of protection.
- Make often and irregular visits
Visiting your vacant buildings often is the most effective way to see if there are any issues. Avoid forming a predictable pattern by visiting at random times. During your visits, check to make sure that your doors and windows are securely locked and check for any signs of burglary. You can hire a property management company or ask a friend to do the checks if it’s impossible for you to make regular visits.
- Make sure people know about the vacant house
As a property owner, you must alert the right people such as utility providers, property managers, neighbors, and law enforcement about your vacant property. These people can keep a watch on the property and notify you in case of any issues. You can also set up an alarm system to notify neighbors in case of intruders.
How to quickly fill your vacant house
Vacancies can be a big problem when dealing with rental properties since this affects rental income. Finding a new tenant as soon as possible is key to preventing loss from having to pay the mortgage and other utility expenses. With these tips, you can find a new tenant quickly and easily.
- Organize an open house or social event to show your empty home to as many people as possible. You can also put up a “For Rent” or “For Sale” poster in the front yard.
- Another good idea is to connect with people in your community by using social media, emails, postcards, and fliers to communicate with your target market. Also, ask friends and neighbors to pass on the information.
- Create an outstanding online listing for your real estate by properly highlighting the description, extras, and pictures of your property.
- Hire a property manager to help you manage vacant properties. Vacant property management can be expensive but the money is worth it, in the long run.
- Create a website that you can use to connect with potential clients and advertise your rental property online. Ensure that your website is attractive and of high quality.
