Vacant buildings are easy targets. Without regular checks, risks like water damage, fly-tipping, vandalism or squatters can go unnoticed for weeks.
Many property owners don’t realise that some insurance policies only stay valid if inspections are carried out regularly. That’s why monthly checks are a core part of our approach to vacant property security at City Guardians.
Regular property checks aren’t just a box-ticking exercise. They help protect the property, save money in the long run, and give owners valuable peace of mind.
What is a Property Inspection?
A property inspection is a scheduled visit where a trained team member checks both the condition and security of a building. It usually covers internal and external areas. These inspections are essential for spotting early signs of damage or unauthorised entry.
Without inspections, small issues can snowball. A small leak turns into water damage. A missed squatter break-in can become a major legal battle. And a forgotten utility bill can lead to fire risk or fines.
Regular checks make all the difference. Just consider that 1 in 6 empty properties are at risk of flooding, and that there are over 9000 fires in unoccupied buildings every year. Simply carrying out regular inspections is an easy way to mitigate these risks.
Why Skipping Inspections is a Major Risk
Vacant properties are more vulnerable than most people realise. In the UK, the number of commercial squatting incidents has been rising, especially in city centres.
According to Clearway, business-related crime has been on the rise. Without anyone checking the building, these threats often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Some of the most common issues we see are:
- Open access points from broken windows or forced doors
- Blocked fire exits and poor internal safety
- Overflowing post or fly-tipping at entrances
- Signs of damp or pest infestations
- Damage caused by weather or vandalism
These may not seem like major issues in the grand scheme of a vacant building. But if they’re left alone, they can result in high repair costs or insurance claims being denied.
How Property Guardians Conduct Monthly Property Checks
One benefit of property guardianship is that you get regular inspections as part of the deal.
At City Guardians, we inspect every property we manage every month. It’s one of the ways we make sure our guardians are looking after the space properly and that the building itself stays secure.
Who Carries Out the Inspection?
Our inspections are carried out by trained members of our compliance and facilities team. These are people who know exactly what to look for. They also know the layout of each property and are familiar with the guardians living there.
This consistency helps us catch any changes quickly, before they become bigger problems.
What Do We Check?
Every inspection includes:
- External checks: Perimeter, access points, windows, doors, external lighting and signs of forced entry
- Common areas: Stairwells, hallways, shared kitchens and bathrooms
- Private guardian spaces: We check each room for cleanliness, safety and signs of damage
- Building condition: We flag leaks, fire safety risks, blocked exits and general disrepair
- Utilities and compliance: Where needed, we check that unused services are drained or switched off and that meters are not running unnecessarily
How We Report It
After every inspection, a full digital report is created. This includes:
- A summary of checks
- Clear photo evidence
- Any issues spotted
- Recommended actions
These reports are sent directly to the property owner. They are easy to read and are designed to be shared with insurers if needed.
We use this system to create a clear paper trail. If anything changes from the last visit, we’ll let you know right away.
If we notice anything serious, we don’t wait for the next report. The team notifies our in-house maintenance team or third-party contractors immediately. Whether it’s a security issue or something like damp or blocked drainage, we follow up fast.
The Value of Transparency and Accountability
Trust matters. It’s not enough to say a property is being looked after. Owners need to see it for themselves.
Property guardianship monthly inspections are designed to provide that confidence. Property owners have eyes on their building at all times. They know what possible issues exist and what’s being done about them. This transparency is incredibly valuable in maintaining vacant buildings.
This approach also supports vacant property security from every angle. Regular visits alone deter crime.
The visible presence of property guardians, plus clear inspection records, shows insurers that the property is actively managed. That can reduce premiums or avoid complications during claims.
Regular Inspections Are a Smarter Choice
Vacant properties carry enough uncertainty as it is. Regular inspections remove some of that risk.
They keep buildings in better shape, stop small problems from growing, and keep you compliant with your insurance. More than that, they show that someone is paying attention.
No one wants to deal with surprise repairs, insurance gaps or legal headaches. Regular inspections help prevent those problems.
At City Guardians, monthly inspections are part of everything we do. Want to see how our inspection process works? Get in touch to see how guardianship can truly secure your property.
