Unfortunately, due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, many landlords and business owners are under pressure to vacate all or part of their properties. If you manage these properties yourselves, then you may need to think about your potential liabilities. The following tips are relevant now more than ever and are designed to help give you some key advice on how to protect your property when you or your tenant vacates, leaving your property empty.
Initial planning
There are several things you should tend to straight away when your property becomes vacant. These include things like notifying your insurer, reviewing their requirements and facilitating any inspections they request. You should also make sure the building and any associated grounds are safe and secure. Security systems should be up to date and functioning well. Any waste or food should be removed so as not to attract pests and all unessential power should be disconnected.
Ongoing Maintenance
One thing you cannot do is just lock the doors and walk away. Maintenance needs to be continued with a focus on critical elements such as fire risk, health & safety, water risk and regular checks on electricity and gas where applicable. Flushing toilets and running water through the system regularly will help prevent any issues or unwanted odours from stagnating water.
Management
You should contact your utility provider and discuss your options such as arranging new contracts or you could consider removing the meters until the property is used again. You should also notify the local authority and discuss any outstanding rates and how best to proceed with any fees you may be liable for during a vacant period.
Property management company
Our experienced team here at KPM Group can assist you in any or all of the areas we’ve covered. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can.
