How to Keep Your Vacant Property Safe Over the Holidays

Holiday Travel Coming Up? Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Away

The holiday season brings family time, celebrations, and travel. It is exciting for owners and tenants, but vacant properties can become vulnerable during long absences. Whether you manage your own rentals or partner with a property manager, simple preparation can reduce risk and protect your investment.

Below are practical steps that help keep rental properties secure during the holidays and any extended vacancy.

1. Install a Home Security System

A security system, even a basic alarm setup, provides a strong deterrent. Remote alerts and mobile controls allow owners or managers to monitor activity from anywhere and respond quickly if something changes.

2. Use Light Timers

A dark home signals vacancy. Automated lights that turn on and off at staggered times help create the appearance of activity. This is a small investment with a significant impact on property safety.

3. Strengthen Doors and Windows

Secure your entry points before the trip. Quality deadbolts, reinforced doors, and secure window locking systems make forced entry more difficult. Pay attention to basement windows, side doors, and other less visible spots.

4. Pause Mail and Deliveries

Piled up packages tell outsiders that no one is home. The post office can hold mail until you return, or a trusted contact can collect deliveries.

5. Hire a House Sitter

If the budget allows, an occupied home is the safest home. A sitter can monitor maintenance issues, handle emergencies, and keep the property looking lived in. Owners who work with a property manager may already have access to vacancy checks or routine inspections.

6. Ask a Neighbor for Assistance

Reliable neighbors can help spot suspicious activity. Let someone know you will be away and offer to return the favor. Strong neighborhood communication supports safer communities.

7. Display Security Signs

Even simple security decals act as a warning. When combined with cameras or lighting systems, this becomes an effective layer of protection.

8. Maintain Exterior Appearance

Overgrown lawns, un-shoveled snow, or an empty driveway will signal a vacant home. Schedule landscaping and snow removal, or arrange for someone to keep the exterior tidy. Some property managers can coordinate this for you.

9. Use Smart Home Devices

Smart locks, video doorbells, programmable lights, and remote surveillance give property owners direct visibility into activity at the home. These tools also support property managers who need to monitor vacant units before a new tenant moves in.

10. Unplug Unnecessary Appliances

This step prevents electrical hazards and reduces utility waste. It will not stop a burglary but it can prevent an electrical issue while no one is present.

Keeping Properties Safe Is a Team Effort

Preparation is the most valuable security tool. Property managers help owners handle vacancy checks, coordinate maintenance vendors, and respond to emergencies so owners can travel confidently.

The more you plan ahead, the more peace of mind you gain. With the right strategies and support, you can enjoy the holiday season without worrying about the condition of your property.