Vacancies are inevitable. No matter how good a landlord you are, you will experience them at some point during your career. Vacancies may arise from a variety of scenarios such as: your lease may have just ended, the tenant may have terminated the lease early, or the vacancy may have arisen due to an eviction.

But whatever the reason, filling vacancies is key to your success as a landlord. Every day your property is vacant, you’re losing money. What’s more, letting a property sit vacant comes with a variety of risks. So, to help you avoid these risks we at Peak Residential have put together the following article:

Theft and Vandalism

Burglars will take anything valuable they can from your home. So, if your rental property is furnished, they will be on the lookout for things like electronics, furniture, portable hardware tools, decorative items, and art.

Your vacant property is also prone to vandalism. By spray painting walls, drawing graffiti, or scrawling their names on your walls, vandals can cause damage to your property.

The following are some tips to help you discourage potential thieves and vandals.

• Install a home security system: This can include installing cameras for 24/7 monitoring of your property, sensors at doors and windows, and an alarm system.
• Remove valuables that may attract thieves: This is especially true for landlords renting out furnished homes. Before getting a replacement tenant, make sure you remove all expensive items from the home. This can include electronics, possessions, or art. 

• Make it appear that someone is living there by visiting the property regularly and communicating your vacancy in with your neighbors. 

Squatters on the Property

Squatters are unwanted guests who don’t pay rent - don’t want them anywhere near your property. Squatters look for a vacant property with the aim of occupying it without the consent of the owner. Furnished units are especially attractive.

You’ll want to be careful with squatters, though, as they may be able to obtain certain rights over time. This may make it extremely hard for you to claim the property back.



The following are some tips to help you deal with squatters.

• Install ‘No Trespassing’ signs on your property.
• Install a working security system.
• Have a neighbor regularly check the property when you’re away.
• Hire a property manager to help you find a replacement tenant.
• Call a lawyer immediately if you notice there is a squatter living there.

Fire and Smoke Damage

There are a number of reasons that make vacant rentals have a greater risk of fires than occupied homes.

According to FEMA, more than 500 arson fires are set on vacant properties every year. Not only can squatters or vandals damage the property, starting fires, but fires break out due to poor maintenance.

When a property isn’t being monitored, things like electrical shorts and pest infestations may quickly spiral out of control. Here’s what you can do to protect your property against fires. 

• Monitor potential intruders by installing a fire security system.
• Inspect your property on a regular basis.
• Collect junk mail regularly.
• Hire a property manager to help you fill it with a reliable tenant.

Water Damage

From leaking pipes to floods, there are many ways in which your vacant home is at risk of water damage. What can make the impact more severe is that the problem can go unnoticed for long periods of time.

Water damage can also cause a myriad of issues. Including, mold buildup, rotting of floors, walls, or ceilings, warping of surfaces, and risk of electrical fire due to water penetration in electrical sockets.

The following are a couple of things you could do to prevent water damage in your vacant home.

• Regularly visit your unoccupied property and check for telltale signs of water damage.
• Insure your home against possible water damage, especially if you live in a flood-prone area.
• Consider turning off the water if your property goes unoccupied for considerable time.

Minimizing the Risks of Leaving Your Property Vacant

The surest way to keep your property safe is to hire a property manager to oversee your property. A good property manager will not only be your trusted eyes but can also help you find a great tenant who can live on your property. 

Vacant properties are profit killers. Every day your property sits vacant is money lost. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Hiring a property manager can help turn around your fortunes for the better.

A full-service property management company can help oversee all aspects of your rental property. From marketing the property, screening prospective tenants, collecting rent, providing maintenance, and filing taxes during the tax season, to handling all paperwork.

Bottom Line

Having a vacant property is never a desirable situation. It is stressful, and also bad for your bottom line. Luckily for you, Peak Residential can help. We’re a top property management company in Sacramento and we have been serving the area since 1982.

We can help you take the stress off of your shoulders. Our specialty is in helping property owners of single-family homes, duplexes, condos, and small apartment communities achieve peace of mind.