Vacant buildings can be a headache for any property owner or manager, it is important that you manage your building properly to prevent any further issues that are not only time consuming but can also be extremely costly.
An empty property both residential and commercial means the loss of significant rental income, but a much bigger problem is on the horizon if your property is vacant and unmanaged. The threat of squatters, vandals, arson, graffiti and fly tipping are all something you may have to deal with which could be extremely expensive to rectify and can even lead to fatalities.
If you have a vacant property here are a few simple steps to ensure your property and yourself is protected.
Conduct a risk assessment – this need to cover access points for intruders, also the disconnection of services to the property, such as water. A property owner can be sued by an intruder if they injured themselves whilst entering your property, you can cover yourself with a risk assessment of the property by showing you have put measures in place to prevent intruders.
Securing your building – you must ensure all windows locks are in use, all door are shut and kept locked and most of all ensure any alarm in place is set. Any extra precautions you wish to put in place will all help to ensure you property is secured.
Maintaining Appearances – it is important that you don’t advertise your building is vacant, don’t let letters pile up, this is a huge give away. Lights which never come on are also a flashing sign for possible intruders, look at installing an electronic timer for your lighting; this creates an illusion that the property is occupied. Un-kept grounds or gardens can also be an indicator, keep on top of the maintenance of your property both inside and out. Visual monitoring such as CCTV is an excellent extra measure to put into place to ensure 24/7 monitoring so that an issues that arise can be dealt with quickly.
Make sure your covered – you need to inform your insurance company if your property becomes vacant, so that you are covered if the event of an intruder. It may be an idea to inform neighbours and local authorities also.
Know where to go for help – Absolute property services can help you with your vacant property, we provide extensive moth balling services and can help evaluate the property manage the risks, ensure you property is safe and secure. Whatever the reason for your property being vacant, we can help. If you need any sort of maintenance or refurbishment work, cleaning services, security or even pest control, we can provide Absolute peace of mind.
Call now For more information 01733 375900.