What is the Vacant Property Checklist?
If a property that you own falls vacant, then you must ensure that you have an appropriate level of Vacant Property Insurance. This helps to protect against any unwanted costs that may arise, should your vacant site be damaged by fire or vandalism, be frequented by squatters, or subject to theft.
Whilst different insurers may seek slightly different assurances before covering your site, ARM Secure’s full range of Vacant Property solutions should ensure that we help you get covered, whilst giving you peace of mind that your property is properly protected.
If you are a landlord or property owner looking to have your vacant property insured, check out our Vacant Property Insurance checklist below, detailing the five main security measures that Insurers ask for before providing cover.
1. Remove All Combustible Waste and Items
A first step towards securing your vacant property is removing all combustible waste and items. Combustible materials are materials that can easily ignite and burn, and examples of these include wood, paper, oil and grease.
These materials are very common, and can be found in a variety of properties, including office buildings, pubs and restaurants or industrial units.
All combustible materials must be cleared from a property when it becomes vacant. If there is a reason why certain combustible materials cannot be removed (For example, combustible flooring), then appropriate protection must be provided.
Removing all combustible waste is a key part of our Vacant Property Insurance checklist, greatly reducing the risk of fire within your property. ARM Secure have a team capable of performing a full clean and clear service on any site, ensuring all combustible material is safely removed.
2. Secure Perimeter and All Openings
Securing the perimeter of your property will help reduce the likelihood of any unwanted visitors, whether that be squatters, arsonists or thieves.
All boundary fencing must be in good condition, with no breaks or damage that could allow anyone entry. If there is an opening to the property for vehicle access, concrete blocks act as a good preventative measure, reducing the risk of fly tipping.
But Insurers will also insist that the building itself is protected, including all openings and entry points.
Depending on the type of property, external doors and windows can potentially be protected by steel screens. Any letter boxes should also be sealed to stop the build of up of any junk mail, which could in turn be used as a combustible material.
Insurers will also ask that any other openings are also blocked and secured to stop anyone gaining access.
Any padlocks or deadlocks used to secure a gate, or opening must meet the British industry standard BS3621, with some shop bought locks not suitable.
ARM Secure’s range of security solutions includes both steel security doors and panels. These robust and effective screens are a highly visible deterrent and ARM Secure’s nationwide security network ensures rapid installation on site.
For any larger sites that may require additional perimeter security, you may want to consider the use of temporary CCTV towers. ARM Secure offers CCTV towers which are reliable, robust and rapidly deployable. These towers are a cost-effective security solution which can be linked to an Alarm Receiving Centre to provide a real time response to any perimeter intrusion.
3. Monitored Alarm Systems
Technology plays a vital role in site protection, and features on this Vacant Property Insurance checklist.
Whilst physical barriers and preventative measures reduce the chances of unwanted visitors, they cannot offer a 100% guarantee.
Most Insurers will insist that that your site is protected by an intruder alarm system and will recommend that this alarm is always operational. On top of this, the alarm system should be linked to an Alarm Receiving Centre. This means that should the alarm be activated, the ARC can provide an early response, sending a Keyholding provider to site or informing the relevant emergency services.
The intruder alarm system should be installed and maintained by an accredited security professional. ARM Secure provide an insurance compliant Temporary Intruder Alarm. It features an internal battery for power and 4G connectivity to our monitoring centre. This means no infrastructure is required, which makes them ideal for properties where utilities have been shut down.
4. Weekly Property Inspections
Whilst a site is left vacant, it should not be left completely unattended. Each week, a Vacant Property Inspection should be undertaken. This is to ensure that there has been no change to the building’s security (Damaged locks or gates etc), and to check that no vandals or extreme weather have had an impact on the site.
Each visit should be recorded electronically, with any incidents or damage noted in detail, alongside any required action. This will provide a thorough audit trail for the period where the property is vacant.
ARM Secure’s team of security experts are available to handle your Vacant Property Inspection requirements. We work with a network of accredited security providers to offer nationwide coverage, meaning that no matter where your property is located, ARM Secure can keep it safe.
5. All Utilities Drained Down and Shut Off
Another stage of our Vacant Property Inspection checklist is dealing with all the utilities on site. All utilities, except those required for fire and security protection, should be shut off. Disconnections should be done professionally, and in a way which makes any reconnection difficult.
All water tanks and pipes, except any that may be required for a sprinkler system, should also be isolated and drained down.
If you are seeking a fully trained security provider to handle the shutting off of the utilities on your property, ARM Secure can handle sites nationwide.
When it comes to securing your Vacant Property, ARM Secure can help you every step of the way.
We have a team of security experts with years of experience in handling Vacant Property enquiries. From monitored temporary alarms, through to steel doors and concrete barriers. We can do the lot.
Get in touch today to speak to one of our team about securing your Vacant Property.
Speak To ARM Secure Today
If you would like to find out more about ARM Secure’s Keyholding & Alarm Response offering, and how we can help protect your property, please get in touch on the form below.