[Help] Has anybody ever left a house or flat unoccupied for a year or more?

Lyndhurst 14 · Mar 24, 2021

I have always previously rented out my property whilst working overseas. Recently I have had quite a bit of work done and although I have never really had any problems with tenants I am not sure this time if I want to rent it.

I was wondering if any one has done this themselves. I realise certain things like it would not be possible to get contents insurance for a prolonged absence (although they could be left in secure storage) but I wondered if there are companies who would provide some kind of monitoring service just to keep any eye on things whilst it is empty. I would intend to return once a year.

Would be grateful to hear anyone's experience of doing this.

Brian Parsons · Mar 24, 2021

No I haven't and neither would I unless i could get a reliable security company to monitor the property. My late brother used to do 3 or 6 month stints in the Falklands servicing helicopters. He used Securicor guardian services and a local garden maintenance firm to keep the lawns mown. Long grass is a dead give away for empty property. The serious possible outcome is obviously the potential of squatters breaking in, squatters rights etc etc ad nauseum.

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Lyndhurst 14 · Mar 24, 2021

Brian Parsons said:
No I haven't and neither would I unless i could get a reliable security company to monitor the property. My late brother used to do 3 or 6 month stints in the Falklands servicing helicopters. He used Securicor guardian services and a local garden maintenance firm to keep the lawns mown. Long grass is a dead give away for empty property. The serious possible outcome is obviously the potential of squatters breaking in, squatters rights etc etc ad nauseum.

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Thanks Brian

Worthing exile · Mar 24, 2021

Squatters can't occupy domestic properties any more if it is a UK property so I would be more worried about burglary, vandals etc.

Don't you have to tell your building insurers (over 30 days?) as well as contents insurers?

Other worries are crap left sticking out of letterbox or piling up just inside and your bin not being out on bin day. All giveaway signs.

maltaseagull · Mar 24, 2021

Worthing exile said:
Squatters can't occupy domestic properties any more if it is a UK property so I would be more worried about burglary, vandals etc.

Don't you have to tell your building insurers (over 30 days?) as well as contents insurers?

Other worries are crap left sticking out of letterbox or piling up just inside and your bin not being out on bin day. All giveaway signs.

How about a service to tidy gardens remove mail etc and report any issues for a fee?

https://www.northstandchat.com/showthread.php?386781-A-business-idea

Some years ago we had a small house in Brittany which we rented out for holiday lets. we were very lucky to find an expat couple who lived nearby who looked after the place and dealt with handovers etc.

PeterOut · Mar 24, 2021

Sounds like you need a concierge or property management firm - http://www.yourkeyconcierge.co.uk/second_home.html is just one example.
(I have no connection with the firm, and certainly do not have the problem of looking after a second property on the other side of the Atlantic.)

Goldstone1976 · Mar 24, 2021

Yes. Concierge service, gardeners, good security and monitored alarms, window cleaner, and, ideally, a trustworthy neighbour. Bob’s your uncle.

Lyndhurst 14 · Mar 24, 2021

PeterOut said:
Sounds like you need a concierge or property management firm - http://www.yourkeyconcierge.co.uk/second_home.html is just one example.
(I have no connection with the firm, and certainly do not have the problem of looking after a second property on the other side of the Atlantic.)

Yes, that's the kind of thing I was considering. Thanks

Justice · Mar 24, 2021

This is the age of smart homes you can control lighting, heating, cctv etc all through your phone. Why pay someone to monitor when any movement on cctv will pop up on your phone screen.

Swansman · Mar 24, 2021

If you pay me decent money I could live in a tent just outside your house and keep an eye on it..

Chicken Run · Mar 24, 2021

I believe there are several regulars on here with various properties spread across the City and other parts of Europe, I’m sure they will be along soon to offer some help[emoji106]

Guinness Boy · Mar 24, 2021

Worthing exile said:
Don't you have to tell your building insurers (over 30 days?) as well as contents insurers?

Yes, Yes you do.

Typically either cover or claims will be refused if you have left the property unoccupied for more than 40 days per annum or more than 30 days more than once a year. Less than 30 days is ok and unoccupancy exclusions will occur between 30 and 40 days once a year.

Theft claims can be a "buildings and contents" peril depending on how the scrotes got in.

Live by the sea · Mar 24, 2021

What I would say is that is very hard to get property insurance for a permanently empty property.

monty uk · Mar 24, 2021

You may also be liable for council tax - not sure about your area but properties in Southampton get a month free if empty. After that it's the full whack.

Skuller · Mar 24, 2021

monty uk said:
You may also be liable for council tax - not sure about your area but properties in Southampton get a month free if empty. After that it's the full whack.

And after two years empty you pay a premium (100% in Brighton) on top of normal council tax, to encourage houses to be used (seems a reasonable ambition).

Wrong-Direction · Mar 24, 2021

Where abouts is it? Does it have a nice garden? My misses keeps saying we need to move to somewhere with a garden..

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Papak · Mar 24, 2021

Rental properties are in VERY short supply around here and monthly rents are at a premium so you might want to reconsider.

The flip side is that evictions are not being heard in court atm so landlords have no way of getting possession under any circumstances until that changes.

Worthing exile · Mar 24, 2021

Another concern would be a water leak going unnoticed.

Seagull58 · Mar 24, 2021

Justice said:
This is the age of smart homes you can control lighting, heating, cctv etc all through your phone. Why pay someone to monitor when any movement on cctv will pop up on your phone screen.

And, I guess, there must be an app to cut the lawn, put the bin out and check the mail, shirley?

Weststander · Mar 24, 2021

Chicken Run said:
I believe there are several regulars on here with various properties spread across the City and other parts of Europe, I’m sure they will be along soon to offer some help[emoji106]

The Berlin connection by any chance?

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