An empty house can look perfect from the street while water drips through a ceiling inside. Nobody hears the leak, nobody notices the post piling up behind the door, and nobody sees the damp creeping up a wall. A short weekly visit catches problems while they're still small. Here's what to check, and why your insurer probably expects it.
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Key takeaways
- Check an empty house at least weekly, or as often as your insurer requires.
- Look for leaks, damp, heating problems, pests and security issues.
- Make the home look lived in: post, lights, curtains and garden.
- Keep a dated record and photos of every visit.
- Short stays keep a home lived in and checked after every guest.
Contents
How often should you check an empty house?
At least weekly, if you can. Insurers set their own rules for unoccupied homes. Money Helpdesk notes that some specialist policies require mandatory 7- to 14-day property inspections, and Homeprotect's cover excludes some claims unless the property is inspected at least once every 30 days. Check your own policy and follow it exactly.
What should you check inside?
- Water: look for drips, stains on ceilings, and damp patches under sinks and around the boiler.
- Heating: check the boiler is working and set as your insurer requires.
- Damp and mould: check corners, windows and bathrooms. Open windows briefly to air the home.
- Smells: drains, gas or anything unusual.
- Electrics: check lights on timers are working, and nothing has tripped.
- Pests: droppings, gnawed food packaging or wasps' nests.
What should you check outside?
- Doors and windows: locked, undamaged and secure.
- Roof and gutters: slipped tiles or blocked gutters after storms.
- Garden: cut back and tidy, so the home looks lived in.
- Bins: empty and stored away.
How do you make the house look lived in?
- Collect the post, or redirect it.
- Put lights on timers.
- Keep curtains or blinds in a normal position.
- Ask a neighbour to keep an eye out, and give them your number.
Why does this matter so much?
Water damage is one of the most common home insurance claims. The Association of British Insurers says insurers pay out £1.8 million for it every day. In an empty home, a small leak can run for days before anyone sees it.
How do you keep a record?
Write down the date and time of every visit, what you checked, and anything you found. Take a few photos. If you ever need to claim, a record of regular visits shows you kept to your policy.
Is there an easier way?
If the house will be empty for months, weekly visits add up. Short stays keep the home lived in, with a cleaner checking it after every guest. Confused.com lists selling an empty house and waiting for probate among the common reasons people need specialist cover, so check what your insurer needs first.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I check an empty house?
At least weekly if you can, and never less often than your insurer requires.
What does my insurer need?
It varies. Some policies require inspections every 7 to 14 days, others every 30 days.
Should I keep a record of visits?
Yes, with dates, notes and photos, in case you need to claim.
How do I stop an empty house looking empty?
Collect the post, use light timers, keep the garden tidy and tell a neighbour.
Can someone check the house for me?
Yes, a friend, neighbour or property manager, as long as the checks are recorded.
Related guides
Sources
This is general information, not legal, financial, tax or insurance advice. Market figures are averages as of the date shown above and change every month. Speak to a qualified professional before you act on anything here.