Risks of Having a Vacant Rental Property

There may be occasions when you experience a vacant apartment as a landlord. Rental properties that are vacant can result in a loss of revenue, an increase in maintenance costs, and the risk of harm from outside factors.

Market trends, ineffective promotion, high rent prices, and various other factors can all contribute to vacancies. It is suggested that you develop the habit of finding new tenants before the current ones go. This guarantees a steady stream of income each month and lowers the risks connected with vacant homes.

McKenna & Vane Property Management discusses the dangers of owning a vacant apartment in this post.

Damage from Leaks and Water

Water damage isn't always simple to spot, particularly if no one is home when it happens. Even if you've requested a neighbor to watch the property, they might not spot an issue until it's too late. Mold growth can result from water damage. Wallpaper, drywall, carpet, flooring, ceiling tiles, and other components of the house can all be destroyed by mold.

Turn off the water and drain the pipes if a building has to be empty for a lengthy period of time to prevent freezing. Mold can cause serious property damage if left unattended and possible health dangers if someone moves in before the problems have been resolved.

Squatters

Squatters occupying your vacant premises is another issue that needs to be taken into consideration. Your furnishings and utilities could be used by them, which could lead to wear and tear or property damage.

After some time, evicting squatters from your property might be challenging. You might need to speak with a lawyer to guarantee a squatter's safe and legal eviction. Costly and time-consuming, this process. In order to prevent this circumstance from ever arising, it is imperative to take preventative action.

Similar steps can be taken to keep your place safe from burglars, vandals, and squatters. Ensure your security system is operational and cameras are positioned wisely to cover all property entrances. An alarm can also be useful for driving away squatters.

Fire Outbreaks

An unoccupied property is more prone to fires. This is due to the fact that none of the property's systems are in operation. For instance, poorly maintained heating systems may amass dust and filth.

The motor system may become overheated as a result. Additionally, squatters or vandals who break into the home could leave burning candles or other combustibles behind, which could lead to property damage.

In addition to heating systems, passersby could easily start a fire. For instance, someone could unintentionally ignite a fire while smoking next to your rental home. Ensure you routinely inspect the property to ensure all systems are functioning as they should, and dangers are eliminated to reduce the chance of fires.

Theft and Vandalism

The risk of thieves and vandals ruining their rental is real for landlords. Due to less supervision, vacant rentals are targets. In addition, the unit could contain sellable materials, including wiring, pipes, furnishings, and appliances.

To prevent theft and vandalism, think about installing a security system. These devices contain alerts that can deter numerous would-be intruders and alert local authorities to attempted intrusions.

Theft and vandalism can also be deterred using motion sensors and timed illumination. Additionally, you can ask a neighbor to help watch over the property while you're away.

High Costs of Insurance

The longer a property is vacant, the more money the owner loses. Additionally, if insurance companies decide to offer coverage at all, they raise costs due to the dangers associated with vacant homes.

Investment property insurance policies may include provisions stating when coverage expires and what happens if a property is unoccupied or vacant for an extended length of time. Property owners may need to invest in pricey additional policies to protect vacant homes.

An Empty Property Generates No Cash Flow

The most obvious danger of a vacant rental property is that there is no income coming in. No one is renting your house, hence no one is making rent payments. It is almost tough to make up for the lost rent of a vacant rental property even with the best marketing.

You Lose Money Due to Expenses

You'll discover that with a vacant rental property, not only is there no income coming in, but you also have out-of-pocket expenses for utilities, rental property upkeep, landscaping, pest control, cleaning, and other services.

When the property is vacant, you must keep the lights on and the water running so that you can show it and make any required improvements or repairs.

Additionally, you'll need to maintain the trees pruned and the lawn groomed. You will need to keep cleaning the pool if your rental home has one. Normally, all of these costs are included in the rental payments you get, but because your property is vacant, you are now responsible for covering all of them.

Bottom Line

Any rental investment suffers when there are vacancies. For anyone, keeping track of all the potential problems can be intimidating. That's why hiring a property management company is one of the greatest ways to safeguard your empty properties.

They can perform routine inspections, keep an eye on properties to deter squatters and trespassers, and guard any valuables kept in the apartment.

The best part is that they can assist you in fast marketing your rental. In addition to maintaining your rental properties and ensuring they are vacant or occupied, property management companies can offer you a variety of other services. Self-management can become less stressful, thanks to them.

One of the leading property management firms, McKenna &Vane Property Management, can assist you in managing your rental properties in a variety of ways that guarantee full vacancy. To discover more, get in contact with us today.