{"id":6910,"date":"2023-12-08T14:57:19","date_gmt":"2023-12-08T06:57:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/business.playground.my-alfred-dev.com\/blog\/?p=6910"},"modified":"2025-04-25T14:30:36","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T06:30:36","slug":"how-to-prepare-a-house-to-be-vacant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/how-to-prepare-a-house-to-be-vacant\/","title":{"rendered":"Secure Vacant Property in 10 Steps: How to Prepare a House for Vacancy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vacant properties are a prime target for burglaries and other types of criminal activity. Securing a vacant property is important, and steps should be taken to prepare a home for a vacancy, even if it\u2019s only short-term while you\u2019re on vacation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep reading to learn how to secure an empty property and prepare it for a long or short-term vacancy, plus get other empty property tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_26 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><label for=\"item\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/how-to-prepare-a-house-to-be-vacant\/#How_Do_You_Secure_an_Empty_Property_10_Home_Security_Tips\" title=\"How Do You Secure an Empty Property? 10 Home Security Tips\">How Do You Secure an Empty Property? 10 Home Security Tips<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/how-to-prepare-a-house-to-be-vacant\/#FAQ\" title=\"FAQ\">FAQ<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/how-to-prepare-a-house-to-be-vacant\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Secure_an_Empty_Property_10_Home_Security_Tips\"><\/span><strong>How Do You Secure an Empty Property? 10 Home Security Tips<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vacant properties must be suitably prepared and protected to prevent crime. The most common crimes committed in empty properties are break-ins, with criminals stealing valuables or pipework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Follow the steps below to secure a vacant property and prepare it for a safe long or short-term vacancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Install security cameras<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-06d52df8d38778ba622ec40fa43d6455 wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/security-cameras\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Home security cameras<\/a> offer maximum protection against crime. Criminals have even admitted to walking away from a property when a security camera is spotted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-e477e5757657b2614b009839693eeb95 wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/inside.charlotte.edu\/news-features\/2013-05-15\/through-eyes-burglar-study-provides-insights-habits-and-motivations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Studies<\/a> found that <strong>83% of burglars look for a security camera before breaking in<\/strong>. A further 60% wouldn\u2019t target the property if they spot a security system. Security cameras are essential to secure a vacant property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_AlfredCam_Plus_side_by_side_glass_table_2-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"AlfredCam and AlfredCam Plus side by side on a glass table.\" class=\"wp-image-6357\" style=\"width:754px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_AlfredCam_Plus_side_by_side_glass_table_2-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_AlfredCam_Plus_side_by_side_glass_table_2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_AlfredCam_Plus_side_by_side_glass_table_2-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_AlfredCam_Plus_side_by_side_glass_table_2.jpeg 1512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>AlfredCamera launched its own branded  hardware security cameras in 2022 &#8211; AlfredCam Plus (left) and AlfredCam (right).<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a camera installed, homeowners and landlords are notified instantly should someone enter the property boundaries, even at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" data-id=\"6387\" src=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_mounted_on_black_water_pipe_outdoor.jpeg\" alt=\"AlfredCam Plus mounted on a black water pipe outside a house.\" class=\"wp-image-6387\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_mounted_on_black_water_pipe_outdoor.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_mounted_on_black_water_pipe_outdoor-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"6452\" src=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_Amy-Baldwin_2-min-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"AlfredCam_Plus_Amy Baldwin\" class=\"wp-image-6452\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_Amy-Baldwin_2-min-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_Amy-Baldwin_2-min-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_Amy-Baldwin_2-min-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_Amy-Baldwin_2-min-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_Amy-Baldwin_2-min.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-link-color wp-elements-3e7e84d8c37920c45e3e012ac36ade6f wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#faeee3\"><strong>Set up fast surveillance with AlfredCamera<\/strong><br><br>AlfredCamera <a href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/turn-old-phones-into-security-cameras\/\">transforms your mobile devices into security cameras<\/a> for free.<br><br>Simply <a href=\"https:\/\/alfredcamera.app\/store\/blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">download AlfredCamera<\/a> to your phone and a spare phone or tablet, and it\u2019ll convert the device into a fully functioning security camera.<br><br>Once set up, users benefit from superior two way talk, robust motion detection, and even a low light mode to improve visibility.<br><br>Simply position the camera over the <a href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/recommend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">driveway, entrances, and accessible windows<\/a>, and gain instant security for your vacant property.<br><br>Upgrade to Premium for additional features, like <a href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AI-based person detection<\/a>, and experience even more advanced home monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2.&nbsp;Display deterrent signage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another way to secure a vacant property is with deterrent signage, like \u201cCCTV In Operation\u201d or \u201cThis Building is Alarmed\u201d, are effective home security measures alongside security cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_contents_2-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"The packaging box and contents of AlfredCam Plus, which include the camera, USB C cable, power adapter, mounting sticker, alignment sticker, plastic cable ties, screws and wall plugs, as well as a 64 GB microSD card.\" class=\"wp-image-6363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_contents_2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_contents_2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_contents_2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_contents_2-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_contents_2.jpeg 2016w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The packaging box and contents of AlfredCam Plus, which include a deterrent signage sticker.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Warning signs highlight the presence of home security cameras<\/strong> (which scare off burglars). They also make criminals aware that a security system alarm will sound if a break-in is attempted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be wary of displaying signage claiming \u201cCCTV In Operation\u201d if it isn\u2019t. Burglars are unlikely to believe this in a vacant property if no cameras are visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3.&nbsp;Complete visible home maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Houses with overgrown shrubbery make it obvious to burglars that the home is vacant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/a-discarded-house.jpg\" alt=\"A discarded house.\" class=\"wp-image-6916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/a-discarded-house.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/a-discarded-house-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/a-discarded-house-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Properties in disrepair also make it look like the owners are lax about security, making it an easy target. To prepare a house for an extended vacancy,<strong> trim shrubbery right back and cut grass<\/strong>. Stay on top of new growth, particularly during summer.Likewise, repair broken gutters and windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4.&nbsp;Redirect mail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most obvious signs that a property is vacant is a build-up of mail. To prevent mail from making your home a target for burglars, redirect all mail for the period the property is empty. To prevent flyers and leaflets from being put through the door, fit a \u201cNo Junk Mail\u201d sticker above the mailbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is another easy way to secure a vacant property. As an extra precaution,<strong> visit the property at least once every few months<\/strong> to ensure there isn\u2019t a build-up of unexpected mail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container\" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Have you tried these tips yet? secrets to burglary proof your home \ud83d\udd28\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/DsGBERKjnGk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5.&nbsp;Install motion sensor lights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-9e44827568d519b8df179d11217ec4f9 wp-block-paragraph\">Even though properties are more likely to be broken into during the day, with <a href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/when-do-most-breakins-happen\/\">most burglaries happening<\/a> between 10am and 3pm, nighttime burglaries still occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Criminals can break into dark houses without being seen by neighbors or passersby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Motion detection lights scare off burglars and prevent them from attempting a break-in. <\/strong>They also make it clear that the property is still connected to an energy provider and therefore unlikely to be unoccupied long-term, or abandoned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-link-color wp-elements-894d3a1573ea5736ab265e8fd7bc7c9f wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#faeee3\"><strong>Night vision with AlfredCamera<\/strong><br><br>Protect your property at night with <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.alfred.camera\/products\/alfredcam-plus-outdoor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AlfredCam Plus<\/a> night vision cameras.<br><br>When Night Vision is set to <strong>Automatic<\/strong>, AlfredCamera detects when there isn\u2019t enough light to see, then turns on infrared lights to create an image.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"473\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_2-473x1024.png\" alt=\"AlfredCam Plus captured footage (a hand holding a smartphone) via night vision.\" class=\"wp-image-6394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_2-473x1024.png 473w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_2-139x300.png 139w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_2-768x1662.png 768w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_2-710x1536.png 710w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_2.png 828w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>AlfredCam Plus captured footage (a hand holding a smartphone) via night vision.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6.&nbsp;Draw downstairs curtains\/blinds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Leaving downstairs curtains and blinds open makes it easier for criminals to see if a property is vacant<\/strong>. It also helps them see what valuables lie within. Keeping blinds closed prevents this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be wary about keeping blinds and curtains closed for long periods. This makes it more obvious to burglars that the property is empty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re going on vacation for some time, <strong>automate motorized blinds<\/strong> to simulate someone living in the house.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7.&nbsp;Get ventilation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Empty houses need regular ventilation to prevent mold and dampness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Turn the heating or air conditioning on (depending on the season) once a week or leave it permanently on a low setting. This will keep the property ventilated or warm enough to prevent mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re selling your property, visiting it at least once a month to open the windows and doors can keep mold at bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8.&nbsp;Notify home insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Standard home insurance policies only cover a property to be empty for between 30 to 60 days (1 to 2 months).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a property is left vacant for longer than this and it\u2019s broken into or damaged, it isn\u2019t covered by the policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take out a special vacant property insurance policy to prepare for a long vacancy if it isn\u2019t covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9.&nbsp;Lock windows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-b7dc80cb5d79fd0dd6baa8327e88bc56 wp-block-paragraph\">Over 20% of US burglars get in via an open window, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/burglary-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">burglary statistics<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Few occupied properties are broken into via a closed window as this creates noise and could wake the residents or neighbors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, <strong>in vacant properties, making noise is not an issue for burglars.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Burglars can break into unlocked windows by opening or damaging the latch from the outside. Keeping windows locked prevents burglars from being able to do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Should the latch be lifted, the window won\u2019t open if it\u2019s locked. Make sure to keep window keys out of the lock for extra security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10.&nbsp;Fit light timers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dark houses are a prime target for crime, regardless of whether they are vacant or occupied.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Empty properties are the preferred choice, particularly if no home security cameras are visible on the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the home has energy provided to it, consider fitting light timers on lamps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose a lamp in a room visible from the front of the property, like a downstairs living room, hallway, or upstairs bedroom at the front of the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span><strong>FAQ<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Why do people break into empty houses?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Criminals break into empty houses to <strong>steal copper piping, cabling, bathroom ceramics, built-in appliances, and other fitted items<\/strong>. Even carpets and wood floors have been known to be removed and stolen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Empty houses might also be used to commit fraud. Criminals register their details at the address and commit property or credit fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fraudsters do this to steal money or register the property in their name and sell it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Will an empty house get damp?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When left vacant for long periods without adequate heating and ventilation, an empty house might get damp. <strong>Mold appears on walls, carpets, and in humid areas<\/strong>, like bathrooms and kitchens. This is due to a lack of ventilation in the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The longer a property is left vacant with no visitors, the more likely it is that mold will appear, but it also appears in just a few weeks of vacancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keeping a property ventilated or ensuring the heating\/air conditioning comes on at routine intervals helps prevent damp, so long as necessary structural fixes (like to the roof and walls) are carried out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just like an occupied home, you need to secure a vacant property through security measures. Preparation is key, as homes left for too long without residents can become unkempt and a prime target for break-ins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Installing home security cameras is the best solution because it allows you to monitor the property without being present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other ways to prepare a house for a long term vacancy are to install deterrent signage, set timers on heating\/air con, and complete visible home maintenance so it doesn\u2019t look abandoned.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vacant properties are a prime target for burglaries and other types of criminal activity. Securing a vacant property is important, and steps should be taken to prepare a home for a vacancy, even if it\u2019s only short-term while you\u2019re on vacation. Keep reading to learn how to secure an empty property and prepare it for &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/how-to-prepare-a-house-to-be-vacant\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Secure Vacant Property in 10 Steps: How to Prepare a House for Vacancy<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":6915,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6910","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-security"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Secure Vacant Property: How to Do It In 10 Steps<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to secure a vacant property and prepare it for a long or short-term vacancy, plus get other empty property tips.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/how-to-prepare-a-house-to-be-vacant\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Secure Vacant Property: How to Do It In 10 Steps\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to secure a vacant property and prepare it for a long or short-term vacancy, plus get other empty property tips.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/how-to-prepare-a-house-to-be-vacant\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"AlfredCamera Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MeetAlfred\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-12-08T06:57:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-25T06:30:36+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/a-house-with-a-up-for-rent-sign.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"533\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Service Admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Service Admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"AlfredCamera Blog\",\"description\":\"Home Security Made Simple | Best Tips &amp; 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