When you own a home, there are a lot of things to think about. One of the most important is how long you can leave your house unoccupied before it becomes a problem.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the things that can happen if your house sits empty for too long, and we’ll give you some tips on how to avoid them.
Did you know that leaving your house unoccupied for an extended period of time can be risky? If you’re not careful, a few things could go wrong. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of those risks and give you some tips on how to avoid them. Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
• How Long Can A House Be Vacant For Insurance
• Can I Leave My Mortgaged Property Empty
• What Does Vacant Home Insurance Cover
➥How Much Does Vacant Home Insurance Cost
• House Unoccupied Problems
• Do With Utilities When House Is Vacant
• Tax On Unoccupied Property
➥ Sell Your Vacant House To ASAP Cash Offer
How Long Can A House Be Vacant For Insurance?
Most insurance policies will cover a house that is unoccupied for up to 30 days. After that, you may need to purchase additional coverage.
Check with your insurance agent to see if your policy has any restrictions on how long your house can be unoccupied.
They may also have some tips on how to protect your home while you’re away, such as having a friend check on the house regularly or installing a security system.
Can I Leave My Mortgaged Property Empty?

If you’re thinking about leaving your house unoccupied for an extended period of time, there are a few things you should do to protect it:
1. Notify your mortgage lender. If you have a mortgage on your property, you’ll need to let your lender know that you’ll be away for an extended period of time. They may have some special requirements or restrictions in place for properties that are left unoccupied for long periods of time.
2. Make sure your insurance is up to date. When you’re away from your home, it’s important to make sure that your insurance policy is up to date. This will help to protect your home in the event of any problems while you’re away.
3. Take steps to secure your property. Before you leave, make sure all of your doors and windows are securely locked. You may also want to invest in some security devices, such as an alarm system or security cameras.
4. Arrange for someone to check on your property regularly. If possible, arrange for a friend or family member to check on your property regularly while you’re away. They can help to keep an eye out for any problems that might arise.
5. Keep your contact information up to date. Be sure to keep your contact information up to date with your mortgage lender and the insurance company. That way, they can reach you in the event of any problems.
What Does Vacant Home Insurance Cover?
If you’re thinking about leaving your house unoccupied for an extended period of time, you may be wondering if you need to get vacant home insurance.
Vacant home insurance typically covers the following:
- Burglary and theft
- Vandalism and graffiti
- Fire and smoke damage
- Water damage
- Weather damage
- Liability coverage
- Additional living expenses
How Much Does Vacant Home Insurance Cost?
The cost of vacant home insurance depends on a number of factors, including the value of your home, the location of your home, and the amount of coverage you need. However, the average cost of this type of insurance is about $50 per month.

Call Now (818) 651-8166
Why Sell Your Home to ASAP Cash Offer?
- You Pay Zero Fees
- Close quickly 7-28 days.
- Guaranteed Offer, no waiting.
- No repairs required, sell “AS IS”
- No appraisals or delays.
House Unoccupied Problems
- One of the biggest risks of leaving your house unoccupied for an extended period of time is that it could be burglarized. According to the FBI, homes are burglarized every minute of every day, and most burglaries occur when no one is home. To avoid this, make sure to keep your doors and windows locked at all times, even if you’re just going out for a short period of time. You should also install a security system to deter burglars and notify you if someone does break-in.
- It could be damaged by weather or other natural disasters. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes, it’s important to take steps to protect your home before you leave. This could include boarding up windows, securing loose items outside, and turning off the utilities.
- It can also attract vermin and pests. If your home is not properly sealed, rodents and insects can easily get inside and make themselves at home. Once they’re in, they can be difficult to get rid of. To avoid this, make sure to seal any cracks or openings around your doors and windows. You should also regularly check your home for signs of pests while you’re away.
- It can put you at risk of liability. If someone is injured on your property and you’re not around, you could be held responsible. To avoid this, make sure your home is well-maintained and free of any hazards. You should also consider getting liability insurance to protect yourself in case something does happen.
- It could attract squatters. Squatters are people who illegally take up residence on someone else’s property. They can be difficult to remove and may cause damage to your home. To avoid this, make sure your property is well-secured and check on it regularly.
What To Do With Utilities When House Is Vacant?
If you’re leaving your house unoccupied for an extended period of time, you’ll need to take care of the utilities. You’ll need to contact your electric, gas, water, and sewer companies to let them know that you’ll be gone. You may also need to arrange for someone to pay the bills while you’re away.
If you’re not going to be using the utilities, you’ll need to shut them off. This includes turning off the water at the main valve, disconnecting the power at the breaker box, and disconnecting the gas at the meter.
Tax On Unoccupied Property
If you’re leaving your property unoccupied for an extended period of time, you may be subject to a vacancy tax. It is assessed on properties that are not being used. The amount of the tax depends on the municipality where the property is located.
The purpose of the tax is to encourage owners of vacant properties to either sell or rent them out. The tax is also used to help offset the cost of maintaining vacant properties.

Why Should You Sell Your Vacant House To ASAP Cash Offer?
Have you decided to sell your house instead of leaving it empty? If so, you may be wondering how to get the best price for your home.
ASAP Cash Offer buys houses for cash. You don’t have to worry about making repairs, we buy as-is. We will make you a fair, all-cash offer for your home. We will shoulder the closing cost and you don’t have to pay any fees.
If you’re interested in selling your house, we would be happy to make you an offer. Contact us at (805)427-8312 today to learn more!