Leaving a property empty can come with a lot of unknowns. How long is too long to leave a property vacant? What happens if you don’t have the resources to cover its upkeep or the time to turn it over to tenants?
These are all valid questions that owners should be asking if they are considering leaving their property empty. In this blog post, we will discuss what happens when a property is left empty and how you can manage it so that it doesn’t become an issue. We will also explore common scenarios and provide tips on how to ensure your property remains safe and secure during a period of vacancy.
We have all seen it— the once vibrant home getting abandoned, overrun with weeds, and deteriorating in plain sight. It’s a stark reminder of just how quickly a once lively property can become neglected, but it also begs the question; how long can a property be left empty?
How Long Can You Leave a Property Unoccupied?
If you are wondering how long you can leave your house unoccupied, the answer may depend on your mortgage lender and your insurance policy. Some lenders require that their borrowers maintain occupancy in their homes, while others may allow for brief periods of vacancy. Most homeowners insurance policies will cover your home even if it is unoccupied for a period of time, but there may be some restrictions on coverage.
So, if you are planning to leave your house unoccupied for an extended period of time, it is important to check with your lender and insurer to make sure that everything is still covered.
What Happens When a House Sits Empty?
A house that is left unoccupied for an extended period of time can fall victim to a number of problems. Without regular maintenance, the building will slowly deteriorate, both inside and out. The windows will become dirty, the gutters will fill with leaves, and the paint will start to peel. The landscaping will become overgrown, and any pool or spa on the property will become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The interior of the house will also suffer without regular cleaning and airing out. Dust will accumulate, mold will grow, and rodents or insects may take up residence. All of these issues can be expensive to fix, and they will only get worse the longer the house is left empty.
Why Do Empty Houses Deteriorate?
If you have ever driven by a vacant house in your neighborhood, you may have noticed that they tend to look run down. This is because when houses are empty, they aren’t being taken care of, and they start to deteriorate. When homes are unoccupied, there is no one there to do things like mow the lawn, repair broken windows or clear out debris. Over time, all of this neglect can take a toll on a property and make it look quite run down.
Some people may think that it doesn’t really matter how an unoccupied house looks since no one is living there. However, appearance does matter when it comes to vacant properties. A run-down-looking house can be an eyesore for the whole neighborhood and can even bring down property values. Additionally, vacant houses are often targets for vandals and squatters. So, not only does neglecting an empty house make it look bad, but it can also lead to further damage down the road.
How Do You Protect An Empty House?
There are a number of things you can do to protect an empty house:
- Installing alarms, cameras and other devices for better security.
- Make sure that the windows and doors remain sealed.
- Opt for a dedicated property Guardianship scheme.
- Make it clear to neighbors that the property is empty and ask them to keep an eye out.
How Does Guardianship Help To Secure Empty Properties?
Amongst all the ways which can be used to protect a vacant home, Guardianship tends to be the most effective one. It helps to protect buildings from vandalism and squatters while also providing an affordable housing option for people who are struggling to make ends meet.
Property Guardianship involves a property Guardian taking up residence in a property that would otherwise be left empty, with the residential and commercial property Guardians paying reduced rent in return for providing security and maintenance services.
With this arrangement, empty properties are secured and maintained while the Guardian enjoys a comfortable living space at an affordable rate. Property Guardianship is becoming increasingly popular as it provides a win-win situation for both landlords and Guardians. Now you can get in touch with dedicated Guardianship companies like Global Guardians and secure your property at zero cost today.