How to protect and safeguard an unoccupied property

When a property is classified as unoccupied and remains under the legal duty care of a probate solicitor, it’s their responsibility to ensure it’s not only kept in a good state of repair, but is adequately protected from risk and insured against risk, thus reducing the chances of a claim being made. And as, according to the Office of National Statistics, 750,000 vacant buildings in the UK are vandalised every year, you don’t want to be adding to that figure in future reports.

In this article, we look more closely at what you can do to safeguard an unoccupied dwelling and improve vacant property protection levels, who needs to make any repairs, and what insurance measures need to be taken so you’re properly covered if there is a claim.

A fit state of repair

The most important element – and what is likely to prevent an incident from occurring in the first place – is ensuring that the empty property starts and remains in a good state of repair and there are no security risks.

This means that pipework, electrics, and gas fittings are regularly inspected and regularly shut off or turned on to minimalise risk of flooding, electrical fires, or an escape of gas. Draining the water tank is also a good way to prevent freezing and flooding. In addition, a regular and through inspection can mitigate risk while checking for other things like loose roof tiles, unstable flooring, cracks in window panes, and weaknesses in walls or doors.

It's not just the interior that requires attention – the probate solicitor should also take responsibility for outside features such as gardens. This involves getting in a gardener to tidy up and mow the grass and someone to keep gutters and drains clear from debris.

Topping up security

A home or premises may be unoccupied, but that should not mean that there should be a lapse in security. It’s important that any valuable items are removed from the property and put in secure storage, all doors, windows, and entry/exit points are locked securely, and if necessary, CCTV and doorbell cameras and alerts are fitted.

Additional security measures to be recommended are the installation of timer light switches so it appears the property is occupied and sealing the mailbox if this provides a view of the property. You can replace this with a locked mailbox on the exterior.

This is not only to protect items and the state of the property, but to deter squatters from taking up residence while the property remains unoccupied. 

Recent reports from  the Ministry of Justice estimate that there are currently around 20,000 individuals squatting in unoccupied properties. 

Making sure the property is secure (and free from unwanted residents) should also be a part of your regular inspection plan, which most insurers would recommend on a 7-14 day basis.

Inform, document, and arrange

Aside from the practical elements of appearance and inspection, a major part of the vacant property protection and management job is the paperwork and admin. That means notifying the council, utility providers, and even the neighbours that the property in probate is unoccupied, as well as getting post redirected where possible. 

During the entire probate period it’s vital that, as the acting solicitor or property guardian,  all paperwork, emails, and correspondence regarding maintenance, inspections, and incidents are kept in order and up-to-date. This will be useful if there is an insurance claim to be made as you’ll be demonstrating due diligence.

Of course, top of your list must be arranging specialist unoccupied property insurance to the right value and with a strong level of cover. So, if there is a flood, fire, act of vandalism, or property damage, you can submit a claim and receive assistance without delay – or face the issue of underinsurance. 

If you’d like to know more about protecting, managing, and insuring unoccupied properties, talk to Kyle Chuter today on 01384 398329 – we’d love to help.