What should a landlord check in a vacant rental unit, and how often?
Walk each vacant unit on a fixed schedule, commonly once a week or every two weeks, and check for leaks, temperature, pests, security and anything that looks wrong. An empty unit is where small problems grow unseen, such as a slow drip, a broken window or a squatter. Many property policies also set conditions on vacant buildings, so ask your insurer what they require and keep a dated log. This is general information, not legal advice.
Why empty units need visits
Nobody lives there to notice a drip, a smell or a window left open. A failed water heater can run for weeks, a leak can soak the floor below and unseen mold starts quickly. A unit that looks neglected also attracts break-ins, and rental listings with stale photos put off applicants. A short regular visit costs a fraction of one repair.
Many property insurance policies treat a building that has been vacant beyond a set number of days differently, often limiting coverage for certain losses. The number and the rules vary by policy, so ask your agent and write it down.
The walk-through
- Look at the door and the locks first. Signs of forced entry mean stop and call the police before going in alone.
- Smell the air. Mold, sewage, gas or smoke are not normal. If you smell gas, leave and call the gas company or 911.
- Look at the ceilings and walls for stains, and under every sink for moisture.
- Run each faucet and flush each toilet for a moment, which keeps traps full and shows any slow leak.
- Check the thermostat is set to a safe temperature for the season, and the heating or cooling works.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and any lights that were left on.
- Look for pests: droppings, chewed items, insects near windows.
- Check windows, blinds and screens. Close and lock what was left open.
- Pick up mail and flyers, remove trash and note the condition of the yard or entry.
- Take a few dated photos and write one line in the log.
Example a made-up owner walks a vacant two-bedroom every Friday. One week there is a dark spot on the bathroom ceiling of the unit below. The owner traces it to a loose supply line behind the toilet in the vacant unit, shuts the valve, and has a plumber fix it Monday before the stain spreads.
Adjust by season
- Cold weather: keep heat on or drain the system as in the winterizing guide, and check for drafts.
- Hot weather: heat and humidity grow mold, so keep air moving and check for condensation.
- Storm season: look at the roof line, gutters and ceilings after heavy weather.
- Between tenants: combine the visit with the make-ready checklist so work moves forward.
Entering a vacant unit does not need notice to a tenant, but check your local rules for any requirement tied to a showing, a prior tenant's belongings or the unit's status. Before you re-let, see how a vacancy costs you each day.
Security for an empty unit
Keep keys in a lockbox with codes you change between visitors, rekey after a tenant leaves, and do not leave a key under a mat. Make sure the unit looks lived in from the street: blinds consistent, no flyers piling up, lights on a timer if it helps. Tell neighbors or on-site staff who is allowed to come and go, so a stranger is noticed.
How DoorKeeping handles it
Set a recurring task for each vacant unit and add a helper or on-site person who does the walk, then ask Claude or ChatGPT which vacant units have had no visit in two weeks. Photos and notes from the visit go on the unit's work order history. Rent stays in your own bank account, and anything involving money waits for your approval.
Sources
- DoorKeeping: Connect Claude or ChatGPT (steps and tools list), read Oct 30, 2026
Questions
- How often should I check a vacant rental unit?
- Commonly once a week or every two weeks, more often in freezing weather or after storms.
- What should I look for in a vacant unit?
- Leaks and stains, temperature, pests, security, alarms, and signs of entry or neglect.
- Does my insurance care if a unit is vacant?
- Many policies limit coverage after a building has been vacant for a set period. Ask your agent for the number and any required checks.
- Do I need to give notice before entering a vacant unit?
- Generally no tenant notice is needed for an empty unit, but check your local rules and keep a log of each visit.