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Vacant Property Inspections

Clearway conducts vacant property inspections to identify maintenance needs, check utility conditions, and ensure compliance with insurance requirements, reducing long-term damage and liability.

Do you know if your empty property has potential security or maintenance vulnerabilities?

Clearway’s vacant property inspections arm you with advance notice of any problems before they are able to cause significant issues, and give you the assurance that your asset remains fully insurance compliant.

Worrying about the risk of a break-in, uncertainty about whether squatters have taken up residence, or pressure to meet insurance requirements can make owning a vacant property a source of great stress. 

Regular, professional and compliant inspections put all these headaches to rest, with detailed digital logs and active risk mitigation.

Schedule Your Inspection

Protect Your Vacant Premises With Clearway’s Property Inspections

Vacant property inspections are scheduled assessments of unoccupied buildings to identify maintenance needs, check utility conditions, and ensure compliance with insurance requirements, reducing long-term damage and liability.

Every site, premises or unit that becomes vacant may not necessarily require continual on-site security. However, if a tenancy ends or a property becomes empty, regular inspections give you advance warning of any vulnerabilities you need to fix before significant issues arise.

Vacant property inspections help ensure that any property management issues, such as break-ins, mould and dampness, leaks and squatting, are dealt with promptly. They’re also important for remaining compliant with the latest property rental rules.

A comprehensive vacant/void property inspection report from Clearway will provide you, as the property owner/manager, with detailed information to maintain compliance with relevant insurance requirements.

Key Benefits of Property Inspections

  • Peace of mind that your property has been checked and is secure
  • Compliance with insurance and other requirements
  • Time-stamped and GPS-verified photographic reports 
  • Options to include single properties or whole portfolios
  • Proactive prevention of problems and threats
  • Flexibility of weekly, fortnightly or one-off inspections
  • Remote access to digital inspection reports from any location

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Have An Urgent Concern About A Vacant Property?

Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected vacancy, repeated break-in attempts or sudden insurance demands, you’re welcome to contact us to request emergency property visits and inspections.

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Our Vacant Property Inspections In Action

Vacant property inspection

Who Are Our Property Inspection Services For?

how long can a property be empty for before paying council tax?

Vacant Residential & Commercial Properties

Vacant Residential and Commercial Properties

Providing timely, fully documented inspections to ensure empty properties are protected, with reporting to enable landlords and owners to meet safety compliance and insurance requirements.

Property Management
education security systems

Housing Associations and Social Landlords

Housing Associations and Social Landlords

Ensuring that housing stock that is void, between tenancies, undergoing renovation, or undergoing changes in ownership is under ongoing surveillance and supervision.

Public Sector & Social Housing

Property and Asset Management Firms

Property and Asset Management Firms

Delivering comprehensive property inspections across nationwide portfolios for banks, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and landlords who need to preserve the value of their assets.

Facilities Management
AMP 8

Construction and Redevelopment Sites

Construction and Redevelopment Sites

Scheduling full inspections temporarily while construction works are ongoing, or while residential units are redeveloped to ensure they are well managed and controlled.

Construction & Infrastructure
security for flats from Clearway

Councils and Public Sector Organisations

Councils and Public Sector Organisations

Assisting local councils and other public sector bodies responsible for unoccupied and void sites, preventing trespass, environmental risks and health and safety issues.

Public Sector
Recover Commercial Rent Arrears with Clearway

Utilities and Infrastructure Operators

Utilities and Infrastructure Operators

Monitoring unmanned facilities, storage depots, and remote units that may be key to project delivery but are situated away from main complexes or compounds.

Storage Facilities

Key Features of Professional Property Inspections

    how long can a property be empty for before paying council tax

    Designed for Vacant Properties

    Every inspection is customised to the nature of your vacant property and specific threats or hazards identified in your risk assessments or conditions of insurance.

    Weekly and Fortnightly Checks

    Clearway can schedule vacant property inspection services as required, which may be stipulated as part of your vacant property insurance or according to your preferences. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or quarterly visits are often prerequisites for specialist void building cover.

    Fully Insurance Compliant

    Buildings insurance providers may be reluctant to cover a void premise for various reasons. Where the owner presents a strong set of safeguards and robust property management, insurance premiums are likely to be more accessible, competitive, and comprehensive.

    Photographic Evidence Logs

    Via our portal, we also keep detailed logs for each inspection and provide photographic evidence of the visit.

    Remote Access to Site Visit Reports

    Vacant property owners or managers can maintain full oversight from any location, including internationally, and see real-time reports and logs.

    Health and Safety-Specific Inspections

    Restricting access to a potentially dangerous property remains the owner’s responsibility, so controlling public access and preventing possible injuries or accidents is essential.

    Access to Clearway’s Digital Inspection Portal

    Our purpose-designed portal provides access to all the details, logs, photos, and reports, ensuring you can take action where necessary without physically attending the property.

    Clearway

    Here’s How Vacant Property Inspections Work in Practice

    Book Your Inspection Today

    How Vacant Property Inspections Work in Practice

    1. Inspections of the Exterior and Land

    Exterior checks: Inspecting the property’s exterior to assess building security and integrity, attempted intrusions, rubbish build-up, land and garden maintenance, and any potential hazards to the public.

    2. Taking Meter Readings

    Utility checks: Gas, Water, and Electric meter readings will be recorded, along with photographic evidence, on each visit.

    3. Checking for Potential Risks or Threats

    Interior checks: Inspecting the interior of the premises for evidence of intruders and any essential maintenance required to prevent property damage, i.e., wind and water-tight, with no leaks or infestations.

    4. Permanent and Remotely Accessible Logs

    Your property inspector will keep a permanent record: A log of every property risk inspection to be maintained.

    Key Problems Vacant Property Inspections Can Solve

    Do you know if your empty property has potential security or maintenance vulnerabilities?

    Clearway’s vacant property inspections arm you with advance notice of any problems before they can cause significant issues and assure you that your asset remains fully insurance-compliant.

    Some of the many concerns inspections can address include the following:

    Your Vacant or Unoccupied Property Insurer Requires Proof of Regular Inspections to Maintain Coverage

    Insurers commonly impose strict conditions to cover empty units and properties, with evidence of professional inspections typically a mandatory requirement.

    Your Insurer Has Requested Photographic Evidence of Site Visits

    You might already be inspecting the property occasionally, but now need to submit documented proof that end-to-end checks are being carried out and recorded.

    You’re Managing Multiple Sites and Can’t Personally Inspect Each

    You may have one or two sites or properties located at a significant distance, or a large portfolio that you cannot practically manage in person.

    Your Tenants or Contractors Have Recently Left and You Need to Verify the Condition of the Property

    You’ve just found the property is vacant and need to inspect the unit or residence quickly, confirm whether it was left as expected, and collect evidence of any damage or issues.

    You’ve Had Repeated Break-ins or Vandalism Incidents at a Vacant Site

    You’re one of the millions of owners or landlords who’ve experienced targeted criminal activity and need to prevent recurrences.

    You’re Worried About Leaks, Property Damage or Health and Safety Risks Going Unnoticed

    Your empty property isn’t being inspected, and you’re deeply concerned about unstable ground, leaking pipes, asset stripping or threats to public safety if unsuspecting individuals enter the grounds.

    You Need a Reliable, Nationwide Provider to Carry Out Property Inspections on an Agreed Schedule

    You’re looking to improve security and compliance across a nationwide portfolio and need the assurance that you have a team discreetly performing inspections and recording the outcomes on a dependable routine.

    While property inspections are a preemptive way to verify the condition and safety status of a vacant unit, rather than a guarding or CCTV surveillance service, these security measures can work hand in hand, and we can advise when additional security provisions would be highly advisable.

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    What Our Clients Say

    Axis Europe

    Friendly and Professional

    The guys were very polite, friendly and professional in their whole attitude. They worked very hard & did a great job! Can’t commend them enough!

    Shepway Council

    Amazing Team

    The team have done a tremendous job, for which we are very grateful. We would certainly recommend your services to anyone else who needs them in the future.

    Ralph Gurevitz, Associate Partner, Fisher German LLP

    Always Reliable

    I have been using Clearway for over 5 years. One of the standout features of Clearway is their rapid response time. Whether it’s an urgent lock change, securing of an empty building, installation of CCTV towers remote alarms or a drain issue that needs immediate attention, Billy Reid and his team are always quick to respond, ensuring that any potential problems are addressed without delay. This promptness has provided me with peace of mind, knowing that I can rely on them during critical situations.

    Learn More About Our Vacant Property Inspections

    Watch our video below to learn more about how we inspect your site

    Video thumbnail

    Inclusive Inspections With Alarm and CCTV Checks

    As part of the ongoing maintenance and management of your vacant sites, we will record gas, water and electric meter readings. Additionally, during a vacant property inspection, we will assess your CCTV system and remote sensors to ensure they are used effectively.

    Reducing the Costs of Intrusions and Undetected Damage

    Whether you are a property owner, a landlord between tenants, or a site manager, vacant property inspection services can provide significant cost savings by identifying potentially critical issues.

    Rapid Reporting and Preemptive Tests

    Each void inspection is logged, with reports compiled from walk-throughs inside and out to check for any damage or deterioration, test and reset alarms, flush water through the system if required, and identify the cause of any changes.

    Can Include Vacant Property Alarm Maintenance

    The dangers of unauthorised access are well documented; however, without regular inspections and a trustworthy alarm system maintenance service, the potential financial burdens associated with these risks can become overwhelming and will invariably exceed the investment required for adequate alarm system upkeep.

    Get Started

    Who We Work With

    Clearway supports diverse sectors requiring rapid security deployment. Our clients include construction companies, property developers, event organisers, and facility managers who need reliable surveillance solutions. We’re trusted by:

    NHS

    Why Choose Clearway for Property Inspections?

    Clearway is a leading security company in the UK that protects your assets, keeping them safe and secure, helping you meet and exceed your insurance obligations, preventing costly criminal behaviour, and creating a permanent record of inspections and all meter readings.

    Options to Manage Property Inspections Across Multi-Site Portfolios

    Using a single vacant property inspection and security service is highly preferable to relying on multiple professionals to assess the property’s condition. Operating on a portal, we provide access to all our customers, we inspect your property internally and externally and carry out a full security and risk assessment. Vacant property inspections can be carried out as often as your insurers determine. We also provide CCTV maintenance services.

    Tailored Property Inspections According to Your Concerns or Risks

    A cohesive, responsive service is tailored to your requirements. It allows areas of concern raised during an inspection to be communicated directly to your alarm monitoring team or security patrols, enabling them to take decisive action. This approach reduces the likelihood of having to pay extra insurance premiums, making a claim, or suffering financial losses due to fire, flooding, criminal intrusions, and other incidents.

    Full Support With Vacant Property Management and Alarm Maintenance

    Clearway can provide personalised alarm maintenance as part of our alarm inspection services. We offer regularly scheduled visits by an experienced technician to inspect the entire alarm system for any visible issues or signs of wear and tear. Find out more about our alarm maintenance or our fire alarm maintenance services.

    Proactive Notifications When Potential Issues or Threats Are Detected

    Evaluating the presence of a hazard before it escalates into a bigger problem is particularly important in properties pending a new tenancy, where risks of fire or leaks are elevated or when the void period is likely to be extended. Property reporting processes ensure that landlords, owners, and site managers have continuous oversight of the building’s condition and can take pre-emptive action to mitigate threats to its integrity.

    Schedule Your Inspection Now

    A Word From Our Vacant Property Inspections Expert

    Our Vacant Property Inspections consultant David Garner explains the risks in having vacant units

    Having a vacant rental unit, a redevelopment project in progress, or an investment property that you’ve not yet brought back into use can all present considerable concerns for investors, lenders, insurers, owners and managers – and regular or urgent property inspections offer verified evidence that either confirms there aren’t any issues to address, or where targeted action is essential.

    In any of these situations, organising regular checks by a trained security inspector will identify potential problems and ensure you receive recommendations when corrective action is necessary to preserve the property’s value.

    David Garner

    Vacant Propery Inspections Expert

    Related Vacant Property Inspection Articles

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Find out more about our vacant property inspection services

    What’s Included in a Property Inspection?

    Exact inclusions will depend on your requirements and whether you’re arranging weekly, fortnightly or occasional inspections for units or construction sites that are temporarily unmanned. As an idea, weekly inspections can include checks for:

    • Security breaches or attempted intrusions
    • Water leaks and dampness
    • Vandalism and graffiti
    • Internal or external property maintenance issues
    • Build-ups of rubbish or junk mail

    Ongoing inspections are designed to meet all of the requirements of the UK underwriting sector, based on nationwide best practice standards, including:

    • Keyholding and ensuring the property is correctly secured against illegal entry
    • Checking the condition and security of locks on all entry points
    • Recommending replacements or boarding up of broken windows
    • Sealing letterboxes and any other unsecured entry points
    • Disconnecting or isolating water, electricity and gas supplies
    • Logging visits with the inspector’s ID, date and time
    • Reporting breaches and recommending urgent actions

    If you’d like to request additional checks or specific tasks our inspectors should complete, you’re, of course, welcome to let us know.

    How Often Should Vacant Properties Be Inspected?

    Your property inspection schedule will depend on several factors, including the anticipated length of the vacancy, whether you own a commercial or residential building, and how often your insurance provider requires inspections.

    In any case, regular inspection schedules ensure you are:

    • Acting swiftly when issues are identified, preventing fire, floods and irreparable property damage
    • Providing insurance-certified inspection logs and meter readings, and verifying that utility connections are safe
    • Reducing void property insurance premiums by lowering risk factors and mitigating the calculated rebuild or repair costs

    If you’re unsure of the correct schedule, you can contact the vacant property specialists at Clearway to discuss your requirements and receive independent recommendations.

    Do You Provide Photographic or Digital Reports After Each Visit?

    Absolutely – we log all photographic evidence, including alarm functionality, the status of locks and other safeguards through our digital portal, which you can access from any location, at any time.

    Issues are reported immediately, along with recommended resolutions, and our inspectors can record meter readings at every visit, as required.

    Can You Inspect Multiple Sites Across the UK?

    Certainly – we’re a nationwide team of vacant property consultants, technicians, engineers, accredited guards, and responders, and we can adapt our inspection services to any portfolio size.

    Working with one property inspection team represents cost-efficiencies for clients with multiple units or sites, and we can step in as and when needed, particularly when longer void periods present a higher risk since any damage or deterioration can make a property considerably more exposed to criminal activity such as vandalism, theft, squatters and unwelcome tenants.

    Are Your Inspections Insurance-Compliant?

    Yes, and we know that demonstrating diligence in securing vacant property can ensure that any insurance claims you make are valid and fully covered, avoiding further expenditure.

    Do You Offer One-Off as Well as Regular Inspections?

    We do, and appreciate that you might have received a notification of a potential issue or reports of possible criminal interest in a construction site. You might also need a one-off inspection to confirm whether a recently voided unit is in the condition you expect before you return a tenant’s deposit.

    Clearway’s inspectors can handle urgent property checks due to increased risk. Empty units or residential properties with elevated risk factors identified during a risk assessment may also benefit from:

    • Staffed mobile security patrols
    • Wireless, tamper-proof alarm systems
    • CCTV intruder surveillance
    • Security doors and screens

    Our qualified inspectors will advise if they believe any of these measures would be beneficial.

    Can Inspections Be Combined With Alarm or CCTV Services

    As established specialists in vacant property security, Clearway’s inspectors will always advise if we have identified any additional risks or threats which pose a significant issue and can be addressed with simple security defences.

    That could include wireless, autonomous alarms, solar or battery-powered CCTV surveillance, or physical guarding services where risks are considerable or pose an immediate threat to the integrity of the building or public safety.

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    Clearway is a national security company, delivering the highest standards of security across the UK's cities and rural areas alike.

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