6 Ways To Protect Your Rental Property When It’s Unoccupied
Unsurprisingly, half of all UK burglaries happen when a property is unoccupied. If your rental property in Lambeth is empty between tenancies, is it safe from intruders and possible vandalism just because there are no personal items in the property? You can’t always be certain, particularly if your property is let furnished. So, we’ve got six ways to protect your investment when it’s empty.
6 Ways to Protect Your Rental Property in Lambeth
1. Check the Locks
Of course, you know that you should lock the front door before leaving the property. But a worrying number of break-ins happen via the easy route of an unlocked door or a broken lock. So, check all external doors including back doors and patio doors are secure every time you leave the property. If locks are worn, replace them!
Since it’s also common for a burglar to break in via an unlocked window, make sure all windows are locked, side gates are bolted, and sheds are secured with a padlock.
2. Review Your Insurance
Having landlord insurance is good rental property management and the best way to protect yourself against many different rent-related issues, including break-ins. But some insurers won’t cover you if the property is empty for a long period (which is usually considered more than 14 days). Plus, some companies even require you to notify them if your tenants go on holiday.
Make sure you check your policy and consider upgrading if you’re not insured for the void period.
3. Increase Security
A property with good security is well known for being more attractive to prospective tenants. If you’re worried about break-ins, consider investing in proper security measures.
Outdoor security lights, visual burglar alarms and smart home cameras are all great deterrents that can help protect your property while it’s empty. They can sometimes even decrease your insurance premiums, which is a bonus!
4. Ensure post doesn’t pile up
You can keep unwanted attention off your property by making it look like it’s still lived in! If your previous tenants haven’t changed their address or don’t have a mail redirection service in place, post may still be delivered to the property. Letters hanging out of the letterbox and parcels left on the doorstep make it clear the property is unoccupied so collect any mail regularly.
5. Maintain outdoor areas
Overgrown lawns, weeds and unruly flowerbeds are another indicator that a property is empty. Make sure you maintain outdoor spaces regularly to deter unwanted visitors (of the human and rodent type!)
Tip: What if your tenants are simply on an extended holiday?
6. Secure your rental property when tenants are on holiday for long periods
During university holidays, when many student tenants go home, ensure all doors and windows are securely locked. Consider enhancing security with measures like outdoor lights, burglar alarms, or smart home cameras to deter potential intruders.
Are You a Landlord That Needs More Advice on Letting Your Property?
Protecting yourself as a landlord is always important, especially if your property is left empty.
What Next?
Your Home Managed are your local property experts for the Lambeth area. Call us on 0208 125 7780 or email info@yourhomemanaged.com to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.
Rental Property Management in Lambeth
At Your Home Managed, we are your local property management experts in Lambeth. If you need expert letting agent or property management services to help market and manage your property, our experienced team can help.
Call us today on 0208 125 7780, book a valuation or browse our letting and property management services.
