Secure Vacant Commercial Property: 8 Essential Steps by Risk Assured
- stephen7705
- May 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 18
Whether you're closing your commercial building for a scheduled holiday or an unexpected event, leaving a property unoccupied—even temporarily—can increase the risk of theft, vandalism, and damage.
At Risk Assured, we help businesses secure vacant commercial property and safeguard their assets through proactive risk management strategies. In this guide, we outline eight essential steps to protect your property during a temporary closure and reduce your exposure to costly incidents.
1. Secure the Building from Unauthorized Access
Vacant properties are prime targets for criminal activity. Ensure all doors, windows, and access points are locked and your alarm system is activated. Also consider:
Notifying your alarm company about the closure
Installing motion-activated exterior lighting
Using security cameras or remote surveillance systems
Scheduling random patrols or security checks
2. Notify Local Authorities
Let the local police department know that your commercial property will be unoccupied. This encourages increased patrol presence and allows them to flag any suspicious activity in the area.
3. Inform Vendors and Delivery Services
Avoid unnecessary confusion or property disruptions by contacting all vendors, suppliers, and service providers in advance. Cancel or reschedule deliveries to prevent missed shipments or boxes left outside.
4. Communicate With Customers and Partners
Update your website, social media, voicemail, and business listings with current closure dates and reopening timelines. Clear communication prevents frustration and helps maintain professional relationships.
5. Keep the Property Well-Maintained
A building that appears abandoned is more likely to be targeted. Maintain the exterior by:
Scheduling regular property checks
Continuing landscaping services
Using timed interior and exterior lights to simulate activity
This not only deters intruders but also helps identify issues like leaks, pest activity, or weather damage early.
6. Maintain a Safe Indoor Temperature
Don’t make the mistake of turning off your HVAC system to save energy. Instead, maintain a minimum temperature of 40°F (4°C) and check for cold spots that could freeze. Keeping a stable indoor temperature helps prevent:
Frozen or burst pipes
Mold growth
Damage to electronics and materials
7. Prevent Plumbing and Water Damage
Water damage is a top risk in unoccupied buildings. Take these precautions:
Shut off water supply to unused fixtures (e.g., bathrooms)
Drain pipes where appropriate
Install smart leak detectors to monitor for hidden water issues
Important: Do not shut off water connected to automatic fire suppression systems.
8. Notify Your Insurance Provider
Always inform your insurance agent when closing your building temporarily. Some policies have vacancy clauses or time-sensitive requirements for unoccupied properties. Ensure your coverage is active and sufficient for the duration of the closure.
Final Thoughts
A temporary closure doesn’t have to expose your business to unnecessary risk. With proper planning and regular monitoring, you can keep your building safe, secure, and ready to reopen when the time comes.
At Risk Assured, we specialize in helping commercial property owners identify vulnerabilities and build customized security and continuity plans.
Contact us today to request a commercial property risk assessment or closure preparedness checklist.
FAQ: Securing Vacant Commercial Property
1) Why is it important to secure a commercial property during a temporary closure?
Vacant or temporarily closed properties are more vulnerable to theft, vandalism, fire, and water damage. Proactive security and maintenance reduce risk, protect assets, and prevent costly insurance claims.
2) What are the most common risks to unattended commercial properties?
The main risks include break-ins, arson, plumbing leaks, power failures, and storm damage. Lack of monitoring or routine maintenance often leads to property deterioration.
3) What steps should businesses take before closing a property temporarily?
Inspect critical systems, secure entry points, shut off unnecessary utilities, and notify insurers, landlords, and local authorities. Establish a plan for periodic inspections and remote monitoring.
4) How can businesses prevent theft and vandalism during closure?
Install security cameras, motion lighting, and alarm systems. Remove valuables from sight, restrict access, and post signage indicating the property is monitored 24/7.
5) How can property owners reduce fire and water risks while closed?
Inspect sprinkler systems, plumbing lines, and electrical panels. Turn off nonessential systems and schedule routine maintenance checks to prevent leaks or fire hazards.
6) Should utilities be left on or off during a temporary closure?
Essential utilities such as HVAC systems, fire suppression, and alarms should remain active to prevent damage. Nonessential power or water lines can be safely shut off.
7) How can remote monitoring help protect closed properties?
Smart security systems allow remote access to surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and alarms. Real-time alerts help owners or facility managers respond quickly to incidents.
8) How often should a temporarily closed property be inspected?
Inspections should occur at least once a week, depending on the property’s size and location. Regular visits help identify early signs of damage, trespassing, or system failure.
9) Does insurance coverage change when a property is temporarily vacant?
Yes. Some policies require notification of vacancy or impose coverage restrictions after a certain number of unoccupied days. It’s essential to consult your insurer before closure.
10) How does Risk Assured help businesses secure temporarily closed properties?
Risk Assured provides risk assessments, property protection audits, and security planning to help businesses mitigate risks, maintain compliance, and safeguard their assets during closures.
