How Long Can You Leave an Apartment Empty?

There are many reasons why you have to leave your apartment for a long time. Some want to spend the winter in warm countries, and others go on business trips or visit families living far away. Deciding to move from your home is not a one-day task and entails many risks.

A vacant rental property can attract many threats, from everyday problems and damage to legal issues and financial costs. How to prepare your living space for a long departure? What should you be ready for? You will find the answers to these questions in our guide!

Understanding the Risks of Leaving an Apartment Vacant

The main concern that realtors and owners of transfer houses often pay attention to is utility and household issues. Leaks, malfunctioning items, and insect infestations can wear out an apartment much faster.

Another important aspect is safety. Many thieves have their schemes for surveillance of the apartment: they check the lights in the windows, ring the doorbell, or watch the front door to ensure the house is empty. Property without an owner remains unprofitable even if it is safe. Utility bills and insurance still come.

How Long Can a Rental Property Be Vacant?

The length of time an apartment can remain vacant depends on the local government. The legislation of the USA, Canada, and most European countries has laws according to which the owner of the property is obliged to maintain order in it. Even if there is no such law in the country or state, the local government will intervene if the condition of the apartment, house, or plot bothers the neighbors. These laws are aimed at maintaining the landscape well-groomed according to general order.

Housing offices and managers can also put forward their requirements. If you leave the house where the staff is working for a long time, you must notify the manager in advance. Even if you rent an apartment, the owner has the right to specify that you are obliged to use it so that the apartment is not left unattended in the contract. In fact, no one says a specific figure, and the condo can stand empty until it is looked after.

What Happens When You Are Leaving the House Unoccupied?

An apartment left unattended can face various problems that develop due to a lack of care and regular monitoring. Here is a list of the main consequences:

• Plumbing issues. Wear and tear of unused pipes, blockages, stagnant water, unpleasant odor, plaque on plumbing, and the proliferation of bacteria.
• Electrical faults. Gadgets and home tools become unusable due to long periods of disuse, as does the wiring in general. This can lead to short circuits, fire risks, and malfunctions.
• Accumulation of dust and dirt. Dust on surfaces is easy to clean, but soft furniture suffers more because textiles are more challenging to clean. 
• Mold and mildew growth. High humidity due to lack of heating can lead to mold growth on the walls, ceiling joints, and corners.
• Deterioration of the general condition of the home. Damage to repairs, ventilation problems, and malfunction of batteries due to a long period of inactivity.

The longer the apartment is empty, the more the issue worsens, increasing exponentially. Even if you leave the apartment for a long time, be sure that you have someone to check it. This is the first thing on what to do when leaving the house unoccupied list. 

Precautions to Take When Leaving Your Apartment Empty

We are all familiar with the typical safety measures: turn off the lights or the water. However, to ensure that you return to a tidy and safe apartment, it is better to play it safe by doing these things:

• Conduct a full check. Ensure all your home appliances are in good working order and are securely stored away so as not to be exposed to dirt or moisture.
• Install monitoring systems. The advantage of a smart home is its system of checking and communicating with you. You can always find out what is going on and check the safety and order of the house. If you do not have one, cameras will also help.
• Turn off unnecessary communications. If you are leaving for more than two days, you should turn off the gas and water, unplug all appliances, including the TV and kitchen gadgets, and check the meters.
• Cover upholstered furniture and remove carpets. These things quickly collect dust and require deep cleaning if they get dirty. A thick plastic bag or a special cover will do their thing.
• Curtain the windows. Sunlight makes patterns and colors fade; this is often noticeable on upholstered furniture and wallpaper. Leave the apartment in semi-darkness to be sure of safety.

These measures will help protect the apartment from possible damage and keep it in good condition.

Insurance Implications for Vacant Properties

How long a house can be vacant is one of the topics of discussion when drawing up an insurance contract. Many standard policies cover damage only during active residence. The insurance company may require additional protection measures or special insurance if the apartment remains empty for more than 30–60 days (depending on the policy). The insurance company will be the next institution that you must notify before leaving. It will protect against theft and vandalism. If you have also installed security systems or have a smart home, this may reduce the cost.

Maintenance Tips for Unoccupied Apartments

Okay, we've covered the basics before moving from your apartment: leaving it clean, safe, and comfortable for the future. How long can you leave an apartment empty with minimal damage? We've highlighted some helpful tips:

• Create the appearance of presence. If you live in a dangerous area or are worried about being robbed, timers on your lights can help deceive burglars.
• Protect your plumbing. Drain the pipes during the cold season to prevent them from freezing. Add a little antifreeze to the traps to prevent the water from drying out and causing odors.
• Protect your home from unpleasant odors. Move furniture away from the walls, wash the refrigerator, turn it off, and leave it open to avoid smell. Make sure there is no garbage, and throw away any leftover food. Leave small containers with odor absorbents, such as activated carbon or soda.
• Protect yourself from pests. Install insect traps or ultrasonic repellents. Cover vents with fine mesh to prevent rodents from entering.
• Secure your mail. Forward letters to another address, or ask your neighbors to pick them up for you.
• Check your property insurance. Make sure your policy includes coverage for an unoccupied apartment, and review the contract terms again. If you are unsure about the details, contact them to clarify.
• Prepare your neighbors. They will help in case of unforeseen situations or help solve a household problem. Ask them to call you if they notice any suspicious sounds or activity near your door.

In general, your task is to minimize the risk of any household troubles, robbery, dirt, and unnecessary overpayments. These tips will help keep the apartment in good condition and avoid unpleasant surprises upon your return.

Utilizing FlatRover Services for Managing Your Empty Apartment

FlatRover users are trusted and reliable travelers who can monitor your home for free and carry out errands. Here's how it works:

• Post your order. You can leave your apartment empty or with your pet: our sitters will care for them! Include all the details in the post to be as accurate as possible.
• Select a candidate. Our users are travelers who will be glad to take care of your house or your furry friend. Choose the right user based on their rating, reviews, and your impressions.
• Leave a review. The built-in user rating system will help our platform work better and select the perfect sitters for your home or pets.

It's a transparent, simple, and fun process: find a house sitter now to ensure your home remains clean, tidy, and safe while away. Try a new experience, and share it with our users!

FAQ

What are the legal concerns of how long can I leave my house unoccupied?

The main risks are legislation, taxes, and insurance. For example, if someone gets hurt on your property, you can face problems even if you weren't there.

How often should I check on my empty apartment?

It's a good idea to check an empty apartment once or twice a week. This way, you'll eliminate the risk of breakdowns, leaks, and issues with your neighbors. The frequency of checks also depends on the age of the building and the area you live in.

What should I do to secure an apartment before leaving it vacant?

Your job is to ensure your home's safety and that it wears out as little as possible. Use an alarm, security system, or video surveillance, and leave the apartment clean.

Are there any financial risks associated with leaving an apartment empty?

You'll still have to pay bills for heating, garbage collection, intercom, etc. There's also the risk of paying extra for new furniture or gadgets that are no longer in use. However, if you do everything right, you'll spend minimally.

How can I minimize risks when my apartment is vacant?

You should check your apartment or hire someone to do it for you. Secondly, you must ensure that your things are safe, clean, and secure. Smart home devices will also be a great help.