School’s out, leases end, and your property might sit empty for a few weeks—or months—while you repaint, re-carpet, or wait for the next resident. Hot weather plus an unoccupied home is a magnet for thieves, squatters, and HVAC breakdowns. Use the checklist below to keep your investment secure, systems healthy, and curb appeal intact until move-in day.
1. Lock Down the Perimeter
| Task | Why It Matters | Quick Win |
|---|---|---|
| Re-key or install a smart lock after each move-out | Old residents and contractors may still have copies. | Kwikset 260 smart deadbolt: < $125, code change in 60 sec. |
| Add LED motion lights at entry points | Lights deter prowlers and help cameras capture clear footage. | Two solar motion lights: ≈ $40, 20-min install. |
| Advertise security | Even dummy yard signs lower burglary risk. | $15 “Monitored by XYZ Security” sign near front walk. |
Local Tip: Springfield Police Department offers a free vacation watch service—register the address online, and patrol cars will do periodic drive-bys.
2. Smart Tech = Remote Peace of Mind
Wi-Fi Cameras – Point one at each exterior door; get real-time alerts for motion.
Leak Sensors – Place under sinks and near the water heater; burst pipe in July heat is rare but catastrophic.
Smart Thermostat – Set A/C to 78 °F; keeps humidity low, prevents drywall cracking, and protects hardwoods.
Most devices pair with platforms like AppFolio or simplify showing coordination when prospects arrive.
3. HVAC & Utility Safeguards
Service the A/C Now – A $100 tune-up beats a $3,500 compressor replacement.
Swap Filters – Dirty filters ice coils; coils melt; water damage follows.
Partial Water Shut-Off – Turn supply off at sinks/toilets but leave main line on for lawn irrigation.
Pilot Lights Off (if applicable) – Saves gas and reduces fire risk.
CWLP Rate Hack: Enroll in CWLP’s “Budget Billing” to level out summertime vacancy spikes—no surprises when nobody’s there to split the cost.
4. Curb Appeal While Vacant
| Hot-Weather Threat | Fix |
|---|---|
| Browning Lawn | Set sprinkler timer to 20 min twice/week (5 – 7 AM avoids evaporation). |
| Jungle Shrubs | Pre-pay landscaper for bi-weekly trims. |
| Overflowing Mailbox | Forward mail to your office or hold at USPS. |
| Piled Door Hangers | Blue painter’s tape over mailbox flap; remove weekly. |
Tidy exteriors signal “occupied” to would-be intruders and keep HOA or city code inspectors off your back.
5. Neighbor & Vendor Partnerships
Trusted Neighbor Check-Ins – A quick text when lights are on or newspapers pile up can save you.
One Vendor Key Lockbox – Code changes after each maintenance visit; keeps keys from floating around.
Weekly Walk-Through – 10-minute pop-in by staff or a $25 handyman; verify thermostat, leaks, and door/window integrity.
6. Insurance & Documentation
Vacancy Clause – Confirm your landlord policy covers periods > 30 days vacant; some carriers require a “vacancy endorsement.”
Photo Evidence – Snap dated photos after move-out and after each weekly check; protects against squatter or vandalism claims.
7. Quick Reference: 10-Point Vacancy Checklist
☐ Re-key / smart lock installed
☐ Motion lights + cameras activated
☐ HVAC serviced & set to 78 °F
☐ Filters replaced
☐ Leak sensors paired to app
☐ Water partially shut off
☐ Lawn care scheduled
☐ Mail/door hanger plan in place
☐ Weekly walk-through assigned
☐ Insurance vacancy coverage verified
In Short
Summer vacancies don’t have to mean anxiety. Combine smart tech, routine check-ins, and solid curb-appeal habits to keep burglars, water damage, and code violations at bay—saving thousands in emergency repairs and lost rent. Protect the asset now, and you’ll hand over a cool, problem-free home to your next resident come August.
Disclaimer: Costs are Springfield averages as of July 2025; always consult licensed HVAC and security professionals for work beyond basic DIY.
