Tenants visiting family and friends during the Christmas break should remember that leaving a property empty for any length of time can pose a number of risks – from water leaks to break-ins.
However, following some straightforward steps that can be taken to minimise the chance of unwelcome surprises in the New Year for the tenant or landlord.
It’s also important to remember that a tenant’s responsibilities may be different from home to home. If in doubt, checking through a tenancy agreement with a legal expert will ensure all obligations are understood by you and your landlord.
Holidays are coming…
If all tenants will be leaving the property vacant for any period of time during the tenancy, ensure that the last person to leave prepares the house for the unoccupied duration. Simple tasks like clearing out fridges/freezers, turning off electric devices, (remember the Christmas tree lights) at the wall, and ensuring valuable items are not visible from the outside should all be considered before leaving.
It is worth noting that many tenancy agreements will state that you must notify the landlord if all occupants will be away for longer than a certain period of time.
Driving home for Christmas?
As vehicle security becomes more sophisticated, thieves are increasingly using letterbox theft to obtain car keys. Poles are often used to hook keys from hallway, so always keep all valuables well away from the front door.
Avoid the big freeze
As temperatures drop, it may be sensible to leave heating on at a low level to ensure pipes do not freeze. This is especially important if the property is being left unoccupied. If you are due to be away for more than a couple of days, it may be worth turning off the main water supply, as well as draining pipes by opening all taps.
Be alarmed
If you are taking holiday away from your property, familiarise yourself with how the alarm works and make sure you set a new pin code before you leave. If you rely on sensors around the home, be sure to check the batteries on a regular basis. Have a contact plan in place with your landlord or managing agent in case the alarms go off while you are away.
Share carefully
It’s natural to want to tell your friends and family that you’re heading home for the holidays, but be aware of who might be able to see this information. Opportunist thieves have been known to use Facebook and Twitter to target empty homes, so don’t reveal information about your property, like your address. Even some photos can easily give away the location of your home.