When it comes to vacant property, there are a few issues that you (if you’re the owner of an unoccupied home) should be aware of. Empty homes are a magnet for criminal activity, not just in the form of burglary (if your unoccupied home is furnished or has any installations that could be attractive to thieves) but also for unlawful squatting and vandalism or arson (which can be problems for both furnished and unfurnished homes alike). If you are a landlord and your property is left vacant while you try to find tenants, or if your property is unoccupied for any other reason for that matter, it is vital that you take the appropriate precautions.
The “appropriate precautions” are not limited to getting the necessary insurance (unoccupied house cover is essential though) but also taking the steps to secure your home and make sure you inspect it regularly. There may be a number of barriers you face while trying to get house insurance unoccupied cover, as insurers are often reluctant to provide unoccupied insurance policies. Taking the steps to secure your home is not just a part of responsible home ownership, but if you make them a priority then you are likely to find that you can get house insurance unoccupied cover at a more reasonable price.
Installing insurer approved security equipment will go a long way toward making your property insurable. This could include the proper types of lock for non-entry/exit point doors and windows, installing intruder alarms and taking action to identify/remove opportunities for intruders. Fire alarm systems are also an absolute must and, as with intruder alarms, it is best if the alarms are monitored by a base station at another off-site location. Removing combustible material, such as junk mail, regularly will help to reduce the fire risk to the property. Giving contact details to trusted neighbours so that they can get in touch with you should they notice anything untoward, would also be a good idea.
Another issue you will need to think about is council tax. An empty home may qualify for some level of discount (or even exemption) from council tax for a specified period of time. Exemption will usually apply for a period of up to 6 months for an empty property that is substantially unfurnished, providing it is not occupied during that period. Property requiring major repair work to make it habitable can be exempt for as long as 12 months (though a year is the maximum regardless of whether repairs are complete, it may also qualify for the 6 month exemption while largely unfurnished/unoccupied).
Other steps you should consider revolve around preserving your property’s plumbing. This means draining down the pipes during the winter months (if it is still to be left empty) or at the very least leaving the heating on at regular intervals. This is advisable because pipes are prone to freezing and (subsequently) leaking during cold spells. You should always attempt to protect your plumbing during the icy winter months. You should also remove any hazards that might harm someone entering your home (whether you are there or not) and think about getting post redirected for the period that the home will remain empty.
Many home insurance providers will not cover your property if it is left empty for an extended period of time, regardless of the reason for being unoccupied or the steps you have taken to make it more secure. homeprotect are not like most insurers. With homeprotect you can get a competitive online quote for landlord’s insurance, unoccupied property insurance or holiday home insurance, regardless of how long your property is expected to be empty for. We specialise in providing cover to people in in non-standard insurance situations so insurance unoccupied house cover is right up our street. 9EB3H7WBKVYC
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