How best to keep your rental property safe and secure when vacant between tenants

Property security and maintenance advice for unoccupied properties

Leaving a rental property unoccupied exposes it to a variety of security risks, including damage, theft, and illegal occupancy. Property owners, particularly landlords and second-home owners, must take preventative measures to protect unoccupied properties from such risks. In this article, we provide detailed instructions on how to securely protect an unoccupied property.

Knowing the risks of leaving your property vacant

It is essential to know the risks associated with vacant buildings. Vacant homes can attract unwelcome guests, such as vandals, squatters, and thieves, leaving them subject to a variety of security problems, including:

Theft

When an empty rental property is vacant it could make the property look like a tempting target to thieves for stealing costly items, even if it is an unfurnished property there are still likely to be appliances.

Vandalism

Vandals often target vacant rental properties, ruining them and inflicting considerable damage.

Unauthorised occupation or squatters

When a property is empty it can invite squatters and trespassers, who may enter and claim residency without a tenancy agreement, resulting in evictions and other legal troubles for rental property owners.

Fire Hazards

Unoccupied rental vacant properties can become fire hazards if needed repairs and safety precautions are ignored.

Neighbour Concerns

Neighbours may be concerned about an unoccupied property’s security and appearance, which could have an impact on the neighbourhood’s overall safety and property values.

Western Lettings Glasgow can help you protect a vacant house by recommending reliable partners who install access control, alarm systems, and CCTV cameras, and provide vacant property security solutions that are customised to your unique needs.

How can you protect a vacant rental property?

Protecting a vacant rental property involves a combination of proactive security measures that deter potential attacks, and regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. Here are important tips for how to protect your property when it is going to be vacant:

Controlled Access

• Change all locks and keys to prevent previous tenants or unauthorised individuals from gaining access.
• Secure all access points, including gates and basement entries, to keep your property safe.
• Share keys only to trusted individuals, such as property managers or authorised maintenance personnel.
• If the property will be vacant for an extended length of time, strengthen its doors and windows with steel security screens.

Reliable Alarm System

• Install a reliable alarm system that includes motion detectors and window sensors to keep your rental property secure against burglars.
• Consider using loud sirens or strobe lights to warn off invaders.
• Join a professional monitoring service to receive a prompt response.

Install CCTV

• Install visible CCTV cameras in ideal places to scare away intruders.
• Install internet-connected cameras so you may monitor the property in real-time from anywhere, acting as a deterrent against burglars.
• If evidence is required, ensure that it can be recorded properly.

Set up Outdoor Lights

• Set up motion-activated outdoor lighting to brighten your property at night.
• Use timers or smart lighting systems to create an illusion of occupancy.

Regular checks

• Perform routine inspections to find and fix maintenance issues as soon as possible.
• Search for evidence of break-ins, damage, or unlawful occupation.

Secure the area

• If possible, fence the property and ensure that all gates are securely locked.
• Prune overgrown plants to remove potential hiding places.

Get Vacant Property Landlord Insurance

• Get vacant property insurance from a reputable insurer for protection against threats such as vandalism and theft.
• Make sure that the insurance addresses the specific demands of your vacant home.

Compliance with law

• Learn about the local laws and regulations that govern vacant properties.
• Maintain compliance with property maintenance standards.

Hiring a property management company, such as Western Lettings Glasgow, to handle the security and maintenance of your vacant rental property will provide you peace of mind. We can assist you in developing security measures, conducting regular inspections, and guaranteeing legal compliance. Get in touch with us to discuss how to keep your rental property compliant with local laws and regulations. By adopting these procedures, you may significantly enhance the security of your vacant rental property while reducing the risk factors listed above.

How does a Landlord or Homeowner manage a vacant property?

Managing a vacant rental property is just as important as protecting it to prevent deterioration, limit the risk of damage, and preserve its value. We promote the following actions:

Routine inspections

• Set up routine inspections to look for signs of damage or maintenance issues.
• The property should be reviewed from every angle, including the plumbing, electrical systems, and roof.

Lawn & Landscape

• Plan for regular grass maintenance, landscaping, and weed control.
• Trim shrubs and trees to keep them clean and prevent overgrowth.

Snow and Ice Clearing

• In colder climates, plan for snow and ice clearing to avoid damage and maintain accessibility.

Conduct pest-reduction strategies

• Conduct pest-control methods to avoid infestations.
• Check for pests regularly and take action as needed.

Maintain the plumbing and HVAC systems

• Run faucets and flush toilets regularly to keep the plumbing system in good condition.
• Maintain your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to avoid damage from severe temperatures.

Electrical wirings

• Inspect outlets and switches regularly to guarantee the electrical system’s safety and keep your rental property compliant with safety standards.
• Think about setting up surge protectors to prevent electrical problems.

Inspect the roof and gutters

• Inspect the roof for leaks and damage, and fix as necessary to prevent mould and condensation on the property.
• Clean the gutters to prevent water damage and maintain proper drainage.

Check the windows and doors

• Inspect windows and doors for evidence of wear, damage, or broken seals.
• Repair or replace any damaged seals, locks, or glass.

Utilities

• Keep utilities such as water, gas and electricity connected to avoid difficulties caused by disconnecting and reconnecting.
• In cold areas, turn off the main water supply and drain pipes to avoid freezing.

Ensure safety measures

• Ensure that the property remains in compliance with safety regulations.
• Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and check them regularly.

Maintain Cleanliness on the property

• Cleaning the interior regularly helps to avoid dust buildup and maintain air quality.
• Consider hiring expert cleaners if needed.

Keep everything Documented

• Keep complete records of all inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
• Take photos before and after each vacancy to document the property’s condition.

Have good communications with the Neighbours

• Inform your neighbours of the property’s vacancy and offer contact information for property management or emergency.
• Ask your neighbours to report any unusual activities.

By following these measures and taking a proactive approach, you may help keep your vacant rental property in good shape, lowering the chance of costly repairs and protecting its value for future use or sale.

Western Lettings Glasgow – Your Safety Partner

We provide comprehensive vacant property management services that will protect your investment and provide you peace of mind. These include the following:

Routine Inspections: Western Lettings Glasgow does routine inspections to ensure the property remains in outstanding condition.

Maintenance Services: We provide maintenance services to address problems quickly, hence avoiding potential hazards.

Security Improvements: Western Lettings Glasgow can recommend and implement reputable security companies to install access control systems, CCTV cameras, and alarm systems.

Emergency Response: In the case of a security breach or an emergency, our team is prepared to respond promptly and efficiently.

Compliance with the law: We know all the rules and laws in the area, so we can make sure that your vacant property stays in line with the law.

Leaving the country? Need to run a rental property? Give us a call!

Keeping vacant rental homes safe is a very important job for property owners and renters. You can significantly reduce the risks that come with vacant properties by setting up security systems, CCTV cameras, access control, and vacant property insurance.

Additionally, working with professionals such as Western Lettings Glasgow can give you the help and knowledge you need to effectively safeguard your property. Don’t leave your vacant property open to potential hazards; instead, take steps to protect and secure it to ensure it remains safe for future tenancy.

To book your free 30-minute property assessment, just give us a call or visit our website for more information.