Void Property Inspection Checklist – Complete Guide for Landlords

Most insurance policies require inspections on either a weekly or fortnightly basis, but the exact frequency depends on your specific insurer. Check your policy documents as soon as the property becomes vacant, as the required schedule can vary.

Even if your insurer allows longer gaps between inspections, more frequent visits give you the best chance of catching problems early. Some policies also specify that inspections must be carried out by a particular type of person, such as a professional inspector or the policyholder themselves, so confirm this at the same time.

If your insurance policy requires regular inspections and you fail to carry them out, your insurer can reject any claim you make during the void period. This means you would be personally liable for the full cost of any damage, whether that is water damage from a burst pipe, vandalism, or theft.

Beyond insurance, neglecting inspections can also lead to legal issues — for example, if a structural problem causes injury to a member of the public or a neighbouring property is affected by a leak originating from yours, you could face liability claims. Local authorities may also serve notices if the property becomes a nuisance.

In many cases, yes. Most insurers accept inspections carried out by the property owner or a nominated property manager, provided the inspections are documented properly and completed within the required timeframe.

However, some policies stipulate that a professional inspection service must be used, particularly for higher-value properties or those left vacant for extended periods. If you do inspect the property yourself, make sure you follow a consistent checklist and keep thorough records, as your insurer may ask to see evidence that inspections were completed to the required standard.

A thorough report should cover the date and time of the inspection, the name of the person carrying it out, and a systematic record of every area checked — external, internal, security and utilities. For each area, note the current condition and flag anything that has changed since the previous visit. Include timestamped photographs of all key areas, especially anything that could develop into a problem.

If you identify a risk or defect, record the action you have taken or plan to take, along with any tradespeople instructed. Keeping a consistent format from one inspection to the next makes it straightforward to demonstrate compliance if your insurer requests proof.

Most standard landlord insurance policies define a property as unoccupied after 30 consecutive days, at which point the terms of cover typically change. Some insurers reduce the scope of cover automatically — for example, excluding escape of water or malicious damage — while others require you to notify them and switch to an unoccupied property policy.

A small number of policies use a shorter or longer threshold, so check yours carefully. If you know in advance that the property will be empty for an extended period, contact your insurer before the void begins to make sure your cover remains appropriate.

This depends entirely on the terms set by your insurer. Weekly inspections are the most commonly required frequency and are generally recommended as best practice, even where the policy allows fortnightly visits. If your property is in an area with higher crime rates, or if there are known risks such as older pipework, your insurer may insist on weekly visits regardless.

Some specialist unoccupied property policies offer more flexible terms in exchange for additional security measures such as monitored alarms or water leak detection systems. Always confirm the exact requirement with your insurer in writing.

A void inspection is a recurring security and condition check carried out while a property is unoccupied, focused on identifying risks such as leaks, break-ins, fire hazards and structural deterioration. It is typically required by insurers on an ongoing basis throughout the void period.

An inventory check, by contrast, is a one-off record of the property’s contents and condition at a specific point in time — usually at the start or end of a tenancy. Inventories are used to assess whether a tenant has caused damage and to support deposit disputes, whereas void inspections are about protecting the property and maintaining insurance compliance while it sits empty.

They can, particularly if your property is some distance from where you live or if you manage multiple properties. The cost of a professional inspection service — typically between £20 and £50 per visit — is often far less than the excess on an insurance claim, let alone the cost of an uninsured loss.

Professional inspectors also tend to use standardised reporting formats that satisfy insurer requirements, reducing the risk that a claim is rejected on a technicality. For landlords who cannot reliably commit to the required inspection schedule themselves, using a professional service is a practical way to stay compliant without the stress of managing it personally.

Requirements vary between insurers, but as a minimum you should expect to provide dated inspection reports confirming which checks were carried out, timestamped photographs of the property’s condition, and a record of any issues found along with the remedial action taken.

Some insurers also require written confirmation that the property has been secured to a specific standard — for instance, that all windows and external doors are locked and that water has been turned off at the mains if the property will be vacant over winter. Keep copies of all correspondence with your insurer, including the notification that the property is unoccupied, so you can demonstrate you have met every condition of your policy.

The most effective approach combines physical security with the appearance that the property is occupied. Ensure all entry points are secured with robust locks and consider fitting key-operated window locks if they are not already in place. Automated lighting on timers and a visible alarm system act as strong deterrents. Externally, keep the property well maintained — an overflowing letterbox, drawn curtains during the day, or an unkempt garden are all signals that a property is empty.

Ask a neighbour or nearby contact to keep an eye on the property between inspections and report anything unusual. If the void period is likely to be prolonged, property guardianship schemes offer a legal arrangement where vetted occupants live in the property at a reduced rate, providing a physical presence that significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised entry.