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According to the Empty Homes Agency, there are currently 840,000 vacant properties in the UK. There are a further 420,000 vacant properties registered on the National Land Use Database. This comprises of pubs, commercial factories and spaces above shops. The figure is almost a million vacant properties.
Landlord tips for securing unoccupied property
Secure door
Start by securing all doors, except the one you will use for entry.
After you have secured all other doors, invest in a good dead bolt lock set. Choose a lock set with the longest bolt available. The more bolt you have going into the door facing, the more secure it will be. If you are really serious about securing the property, invest in a metal door and frame
Secure your windows
After you have installed the lock set, it’s time to secure your windows. By putting the plywood on, you prevent anyone from seeing any fixtures and fittings inside, which is another potential reason for someone to enter your unoccupied property.
Meet the neighbours
Get to know the neighbours of your unoccupied property. If they have someone to relate to, they are more likely to keep an eye on your property. Make sure they have your contact numbers, so they can call you in case of suspicious activity or vandalism.
Inform your landlord insurance company
An unoccupied property especially in a rural areas can be at greater risk of vandalism and theft than occupied properties. Make sure you have not only taken the physical steps above to protect your property, but that you have informed your landlord insurance provider that your property is unoccupied. Landlords with unoccupied properties should make sure that they comply with any requirements of their landlord insurance in order to maintain cover. Failure to comply with all the requirements of your landlord insurance may mean that any claims are not paid.
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