Managing a vacant house can be a challenging responsibility that many property owners encounter. Keeping vacant homes, residential properties, or even abandoned property in good shape requires consistent effort and the right approach.
Vacant property management involves handling tasks like securing exterior doors, addressing structural concerns, and ensuring vacant buildings or other vacant structures remain safe and protected.
I want to share practical advice to help you manage these responsibilities with confidence.
You’ll learn how to maintain vacant properties effectively, prevent potential damage, and safeguard your property’s value.
With these tips and strategies, handling a vacant house doesn’t have to feel overwhelming; you’ll gain the tools to manage it like a pro.
1. Inspect the vacant property for any damage that may have been caused by weather or vandalism
If you notice any damage, it is important to make repairs as soon as possible. This will help to prevent further damage from occurring, and will also make the property more presentable if you are trying to sell or rent it.
Some of the most common types of damage that can occur to a vacant house include:
- Water damage
- Mold and mildew growth
- Pest infestation
- Vandalism or graffiti
If you notice any of these types of damage, it is important to take care of them right away. Depending on the severity, you may be able to make repairs yourself, or you may need to hire a professional.
If the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to temporarily move into the vacant house in order to make repairs. This can be a challenge, but it is important to do what is necessary to protect your investment.
In some cases, it may also be necessary to contact your insurance company. They may be able to help you with the cost of repairs, or they may have other resources that you can use.
Once the repairs have been made, it is important to take steps to prevent future damage. This may include weatherproofing the house, installing security cameras, or adding an alarm system.
2. Change the locks on all entrances
It is important to change the locks on a vacant house for two reasons:
- To prevent trespassers from entering the house
- To ensure that only authorized people have access to the house
If you are trying to sell or rent the property, it is especially important to change the locks. This will give potential buyers or tenants peace of mind, and will also help to secure the property.
If you are not sure how to change the locks, you can hire a professional locksmith to protect your home. They will be able to change the locks quickly and efficiently, and they will also be able to advise you on the best type of lock to use for your particular situation. You can give the keys with a trusted person.
Once the locks have been changed, it is important to keep a record of who has keys to the unoccupied property. This will help you to keep track of who should have access to the property and will also help you to identify any unauthorized people who may have entered the house.
3. Clean the property from top to bottom, including windows and doors, floors, walls, and ceilings
A clean house is a well-maintained house. It is important to clean the property on a regular basis, even if it is vacant. This will help to prevent dirt and dust from building up, and will also make the house more presentable if you are trying to sell or rent it.
Some of the things that you should clean on a regular basis include:
- Windows
- Floors
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Doors and door frames
- Light fixtures
- Appliances
- Furniture
If you are not able to clean the house yourself, you can hire a professional cleaning company. They will be able to do a thorough job, and they will also be able to advise you on how often the house should be cleaned.
4. Remove all furniture and personal belongings
If you are trying to sell or rent the property, it is important to remove all furniture and personal belongings from the house. This will make it easier for potential buyers or tenants to imagine themselves living in the house, and will also help to prevent damage from occurring.
If you are not able to remove all of the furniture and personal belongings yourself, you can hire a professional moving company. They will be able to do it quickly and efficiently, and they will also be able to advise you on how to best prepare the house for sale or rent.
5. Patch up any holes in the walls or ceilings
Holes in the walls or ceilings can result from water damage, pests, or other causes. They can also be a safety hazard, so it is important to patch them up as soon as possible.
If you are not able to patch the holes yourself, you can hire a professional contractor. They will be able to do it quickly and efficiently, and they will also be able to advise you on how to prevent future damage.
6. Install a security system
A security system can help to deter burglars and other trespassers, and can also help to protect the property from damage. If you are not sure how to install a security system, you can hire a professional company. They will be able to do it quickly and efficiently, and they will also be able to advise you on the best type of system to use for your particular situation. If left unoccupied, a good idea is to buy a motion sensor and place it in your empty home. Motion detector lights should also be considered. This type of home security is important while the home is vacant.
7. Mow the lawn and trim the bushes/hedges
Keeping the lawn mowed and the bushes and hedges trimmed will help to make the property look more presentable and will also help to deter trespassers and give you a better chance to sell your home. If you are not able to do it yourself, you can hire a professional landscaping company. They will be able to do it quickly and efficiently, and they will also be able to advise you on how to best maintain the property.
8. Keep an eye on the property regularly to make sure it remains secure and in good condition
You should try to check on the property at least once a week, if not more often. House sitting is an important part of the home sales process if the property is vacant. This will help you to identify any potential problems quickly and will also allow you to take action to prevent them from becoming worse.
If you are not able to check on the property yourself, you can hire a professional company. They will be able to do it quickly and efficiently, and they will also be able to advise you on how to best maintain the property.
Join our Newsletter for More Information.
If you are interested in learning more about how to maintain a vacant house or other topics related to homeownership or property management, please join our newsletter. We will send you periodic emails with tips, ideas, and advice on how to keep your property in the best shape possible.
Need help buying or selling a house? Call Joe.
No obligation. Free consultation.
