No one wants to leave their Santa Cruz rental property vacant for longer than necessary. Not only does it deprive you of rental income, it also leaves your investment at risk.
The dangers of leaving a rental property vacant are more than financial. A long vacancy delivers several additional problems and unintended consequences. You’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for things like utilities and landscaping. You also have to keep the property secure and free from squatters, vandals, and other potential criminal activities. The appliances aren’t being used and there’s no one in the home to let you know when a leak is sprung or something starts to deteriorate.
Don’t put your property at risk for long vacancies and the dangers that come with them. Here’s how you can protect your Santa Cruz investment home.
Keep Your Utilities On During Vacancy
After a resident moves out, contact your utility companies to switch the account back into your own name. You don’t want to leave your rental property without water, gas, or electricity. The home should look as normal as possible so there’s no risk of attracting the attention of those who may take advantage of an empty property. Install exterior lighting that turns on automatically in the evenings.
This will help you keep your property secure. It will also ensure the home is safe and accessible for any vendors or contractors who may be stopping by to do some turnover work. You can show the home better when the utilities are on. Tenants will likely want to test the water pressure and turn on the lights.
Keep up with Lawn Care and Landscaping
Curb appeal is always important when you’re trying to find a new resident, and it’s especially necessary during the period that your rental property is vacant. Prospective tenants who have inquired about the property may drive by to see it. You don’t want them to cancel a showing because of how the place looks. If you have grass, trees, or flowers, make sure they’re trimmed and watered. Don’t let the yard or outdoor spaces attract any debris and stay on top of your pest control.
Attention to your landscaping keeps your home looking great, and it also contributes to that sense of normalcy which is so important in keeping it secure and safe.
Work with Santa Cruz Property Managers
Working with a professional Santa Cruz property management company is always a good idea, but it’s especially useful when a property is vacant. Most rental homes in our area face shorter vacancy periods when they’re professionally managed. And when they are vacant, the turnover process is swift, efficient, and cost-effective. One way to limit the risks and problems that come with a vacant rental property is to have professionals taking care of it.
Leaving a property vacant is stressful, and the risks can feel overwhelming. If you’d like some help in protecting your property during its vacancy periods, please contact our team at Real Estate Eight Three One.
