If you need to secure vacant rental property during the holidays, start with this: assume no one is watching. Even if the unit is in a good neighborhood. Even if you have never had an issue before. A place that is vacant reads differently from the street, and it can become a magnet for problems that cost more than you expect.
The goal is not to turn your unit into a fortress. It is to reduce opportunity. Tighten access, create the appearance of occupancy, and catch small issues before they become expensive.
There is a difference between an empty unit for three days and a unit that sits for six weeks.
A short gap between tenants is normal. A longer vacancy changes the math. The risks of having a vacant unit rise fast, especially around holiday travel when fewer people are paying attention.
This is where you decide how aggressive to be. If the property vacant period will be longer than two weeks, plan for stronger controls.
I know. This is the part people skip.
Call your carrier and confirm how property insurance treats an unoccupied unit. Many insurance policies have specific requirements for vacant properties, and some require notice after a certain number of days. If you manage multiple rental properties, do not assume the rules are the same across all addresses.
If you are a property owner working with a property manager, make sure you both know who is responsible for notifying the insurer and who keeps the proof.
Take current photos of the unit, inside and out. If there is later damage to property, you will want a clean before-and-after record.
Most holiday incidents are not movie-style heists. They are quick.
Walk the perimeter and check doors and windows. Then check again, slowly.
Focus on:
If you have older hardware, consider physical reinforcements. An adding metal door jamb upgrade can make forced entry harder. hinge shields help too, especially on outward-swinging doors.
This is a basic security measure, but it is the one that stops many problems before they start.
A dark, silent unit is an invitation.
Use a timer strategy that feels natural. Put lights on timers in two rooms, not one. Vary the schedule slightly. If you can, add a lamp near a window so the unit looks active from the street.
Keep the exterior well-lit. A motion-activated exterior light is a simple deterrent that works on both thieves and vandals.
If you have a porch or entry, remove packages quickly. A pile of flyers or mail is a billboard.
There is no single best setup. There is the best setup for your timeline.
For a short gap, a basic home security system can be enough.
For longer gaps, think in layers:
If your system supports real-time alerts, turn them on. You want an alert when a door opens, not a surprise later.
Some owners like alarm systems that trigger a loud siren. Others prefer silent notifications. Either can work, but the key is response. If you do not plan to act on an alarm, it becomes background noise.
Think of it this way: you are trying to spot an intruder early, before a break-in becomes a full event.
A vacant unit needs eyes on it.
Schedule an inspection rhythm based on the risk level. In many cases, once a week is a good baseline. During holiday weeks, you may want two quick checks.
This is part of regular maintenance, not an optional chore.
When you visit, look for:
If you manage a vacant home in a colder climate, the goal is to prevent water damage from frozen pipes. That is often the most expensive holiday surprise.
Exterior neglect is a signal.
Keep up yard maintenance. Shovel snow. Trim obvious overgrowth. Remove door hangers and flyers.
An empty property that looks ignored attracts attention from the wrong people, including a trespasser who is testing boundaries.
If you have a multi-unit vacant building situation, the stakes are higher. You may need stronger exterior lighting and more frequent checks.
You do not need to do this alone.
A trusted neighbor can be your best early-warning system. Ask them to watch for suspicious activity, and give them a clear way to reach you.
If you have reliable vendors, enlist the help of a handyman to do quick drive-bys.
For higher-risk locations, consider regular patrols. Some owners hire a security service for a short window around the holidays. It is not always necessary, but it can be cheaper than costly repairs after a break-in.
If you are stretched thin, you can hire a property management company to handle checks and coordination. Good property management is often less about collecting rent and more about preventing problems when no one is looking.
People lump everything into “security,” but the threats are different.
Holiday travel creates opportunity for thieves. If they get in, you can end up with stolen goods, missing appliances, or copper theft.
Then there is vandalism. A single vandal can cause outsized damage fast.
If you are dealing with thieves and vandals, visible cameras, lighting, and quick response are your best tools.
A squatter situation is different from a one-time break-in. It can become a legal and operational mess.
Preventing unauthorized entry is the priority. That means tight access control, frequent checks, and documenting any signs of forced entry.
If you see evidence of occupancy, do not ignore it. Treat it as a significant risk and act quickly.
A holiday freeze can cause damage without any criminal activity.
Set the heat to a safe baseline. Drain exterior lines when appropriate. If needed, shut off water and drain the system for longer vacancies.
This is one of the best ways to keep the unit property safe when no one is living there.
Most units do not need extreme measures.
But if the unit has a history of break-ins, or it is in a high-risk area, consider temporary hardening.
A board-up with plywood can be appropriate for a short period, especially after a break-in when you are waiting on repairs. It is not pretty, but it can stop repeat attempts.
If you go this route, document the condition before and after, and confirm it does not violate local rules or your insurance requirements.
Use this as a simple set of ways to protect your unit.
This is the core of property protection. It is not fancy. It works.
If you are coordinating with others, be explicit.
If you are working with a manager, ask what tools they use to help you protect the unit. Ask how they track visits. Ask how they handle escalation.
If you are solo, write it down anyway. You will forget a step when you are busy.
Vacancy over the holidays is manageable when you take proactive steps early, then run a simple routine. Tighten access. Make the place look lived-in. Check it on a schedule. Treat water and heat as first-class risks.
Rent With Clara can support the turnover side of this, too. When you are ready to fill the unit, having a renter-controlled, verified profile can make screening feel more organized and less repetitive.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
