4 Tips for Handling a Vacant Rental Property

When a rental property is empty, problems can quickly add up! If you’re a landlord in Wimbledon, you’ve probably dealt with the occasional void period. Sometimes, the gap between tenancies is short, but at other times, your property might sit empty for weeks.

While the obvious problem is lost rental income, there’s more to worry about than just finances. Empty homes are far more prone to damage, break-ins, and maintenance issues that can go unnoticed. Here’s what to watch out for - and how to keep your vacant rental property safe and well-maintained.

What Problems Can Arise with a Vacant Rental Property?

When nobody’s living in your rental, it becomes vulnerable in a few key ways:

• Undetected damage: Water leaks, storm damage, or faulty electrics might go unnoticed for days or weeks, making repairs more expensive.
• Vandalism and break-ins: An obviously empty property can attract unwanted attention from vandals or even squatters.
• Maintenance issues: Damp, mould, pests, and stagnant air can quickly affect an unoccupied home.
• Insurance risks: Many standard landlord policies only provide limited cover for vacant periods.

So, how can you avoid these problems and protect your investment?

1. Inform Your Insurer Straight Away

Before your property sits empty for too long, contact your insurance provider. Most landlord insurance policies only cover a property for up to 30 consecutive days of vacancy. After that, you’ll usually need to switch to an unoccupied property insurance policy. This specialist cover might cost a little more, but it’s worth it for peace of mind. Your insurer may also ask you to take specific precautions, such as turning off the gas, draining down the system, or maintaining low-level heating during winter to prevent frozen pipes and mould. Failing to follow these steps could invalidate your cover, leaving you out of pocket if something happens.

2. Carry Out Regular Inspections

Even when your property is empty, it shouldn’t be ignored. Make sure someone visits regularly - typically once a week - to keep an eye on things.

During inspections:

• Check that all doors and windows are secure and undamaged.
• Look for signs of leaks, damp, or mould.
• Open windows briefly to allow air to circulate, then close them again securely.
• Remove any post or flyers from the letterbox to avoid advertising that the property is empty.
  You can also make the property look “lived-in” by setting motion sensor lights outside. These small touches can deter intruders and keep the property looking occupied.

3. Deep Clean Between Tenancies

A vacant period is the perfect time to refresh your property before new tenants move in. Arrange for a professional deep clean including carpets, windows, kitchen appliances, and bathrooms. If any rubbish has been left behind, have it removed immediately. It’s not just unsightly; it could attract pests. A clean, fresh-smelling home also makes a much better impression during viewings, helping you re-let the property faster.

4. Use a Property Management Company

If you’d rather not handle the stress of inspections, cleaning, and finding new tenants yourself, hand the task over to a professional property management company in Wimbledon. At Your Home Managed, we take care of everything, from regular property checks, to organising cleaning and maintenance. Our goal is to minimise void periods by securing new tenants quickly and keeping your property in top condition throughout.

Call us today on 0208 125 7780 or email info@yourhomemanaged.com to find out how we can help manage your rental property in Wimbledon with confidence.

In the meantime, we’ve answered your common questions about dealing with a vacant rental property.

FAQs About Managing a Vacant Rental Property

How long can my rental property stay empty before it affects my insurance?

Most standard landlord insurance policies cover vacancies for around 30 days. After that, you may need to switch to unoccupied property insurance to stay protected.

What’s the best way to make an empty property look occupied?

Use timer switches on lights, keep the exterior tidy, remove post regularly, and install motion-sensor lighting outside.

Should I keep the heating on in an empty property?

Yes, especially during colder months. Setting your heating to a low temperature helps prevent frozen pipes and damp.

Can a property management company look after my vacant property?

Absolutely. A good property management company will carry out inspections, handle cleaning and maintenance, and market the property to reduce your vacancy time.