Unoccupied Property Insurance – What You Need to Know in 2025

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, if your property becomes unoccupied, it’s important to understand how your insurance policy may be affected. Many insurers have strict requirements when a home, buy-to-let, or commercial property is vacant—even for short periods.

Failing to follow these conditions could leave you without cover if you need to make a claim. In this guide, we explain what unoccupied property insurance conditions typically involve, and how to stay compliant.

What Is Considered an Unoccupied Property?

A property is usually classed as unoccupied or vacant when it is left empty for a certain number of consecutive days—typically 30 days or more. This can apply to:

• Private homes left vacant during travel or relocation
• Buy-to-let properties between tenants
• Commercial units closed during renovations or seasonal downtime

Typical Insurance Conditions for Unoccupied Properties

Insurance policies—whether for residential or commercial buildings—will often include special terms once a property is unoccupied. While these can vary, here are some of the most common unoccupied property insurance conditions:

1. Notify Your Insurer Immediately

You must inform your insurer as soon as the property becomes vacant. Some policies require notification even before the 30-day threshold.

2. Secure the Property

Ensure all doors, windows, and locks are fully secured. Activate any alarm or CCTV systems. This reduces the risk of theft or vandalism.

3. Switch Off Utilities (If Safe)

Gas, water, and electricity should be shut off at the mains unless needed for essential systems like:

• Burglar alarms
• Fire alarms
• Heating for sprinkler systems

4. Carry Out Regular Inspections

A responsible person should inspect the property at least once every seven days. Check for:

• Damage or break-ins
• Water leaks or damp
• Signs of forced entry

Any issues must be addressed promptly to maintain compliance.

5. Clear Waste and Post

Remove all mail, refuse, and waste from the interior and any surrounding yards. Accumulation of post or rubbish can attract intruders or cause fire hazards. Some insurers require letterboxes to be sealed.

Why Following These Rules Matters

If you don’t meet the unoccupied property insurance requirements set out in your policy, your insurer may reduce your coverage—or refuse a claim entirely. Even short periods of non-compliance can leave you exposed to significant risk.

Applies to Homeowners, Landlords, and Businesses

These conditions aren’t limited to commercial properties. They apply equally to:

• Homeowners with standard buildings & contents cover
• Landlords with buy-to-let insurance
• Commercial property owners with vacant premises

Always check your individual policy documents or speak to your broker if in doubt.

Need Help Understanding Your Unoccupied Property Insurance?

At Daines Kapp, we specialise in helping clients understand and meet their policy obligations—whether you need cover for an unoccupied home, a rental property, or a commercial unit.

📞 Get in touch with our team today for tailored advice on your unoccupied property insurance policy.