Everything you need to know about Vacant Property Inspections (VPI’s), why they matter, what they include, and how they protect your assets, insurance, and reputation.
Vacant properties might appear still and silent, but the risks they carry are anything but quiet.
If you’re a property owner, landlord, facilities manager, or estate agent, leaving a property empty for even a short period can lead to unexpected and costly issues.
From burst pipes and unchecked water leaks to vandalism, break-ins, squatters, or non-compliance with your insurance policy, the potential for damage, liability, and financial loss increases the longer your site remains unoccupied and unmonitored. Regular Vacant Property Inspections (VPIs) are essential to mitigate these risks
You might already be asking yourself:
- “Is my insurance still valid while the site is empty?”
- “How would I know if a storm caused damage overnight?”
- “Could I prove regular inspections if my insurer asked?”
- “Who’s keeping an eye on the property when I can’t be there?”
If you don’t have clear answers to these questions, you’re not alone, and that’s where Vacant Property Inspections (VPIs) come in.
In this guide, we’ll show you:
- What VPIs are and why they’re essential
- The specific risks they protect you from
- What professional inspections should include
- How often they should take place to meet insurance conditions
- What to look for in a reliable Vacant Property Inspection VPI provider
Whether you manage a single empty unit or an entire portfolio of properties, this article will give you the knowledge and tools to stay protected, compliant, and fully in control.
Let’s dive in.
Why Vacant Property Inspections (VPI's) Are Essential
When a property sits vacant, it quickly becomes vulnerable, not just to obvious risks like break-ins, but also to the slow, silent issues that go unnoticed for weeks.
1. Insurance Compliance
Most insurers include a vacant property clause that requires regular, documented inspections, often every 7 to 14 days. Fail to meet these conditions, and you could face:
- Rejected claims
- Voided coverage
- Increased premiums
Without proof of inspections, your insurance might not protect you when you need it most.
2. Prevent Costly Damage
Vacant properties are magnets for issues that escalate fast:
- A small leak becomes a flood.
- A damaged roof lets in weather that ruins flooring or stock.
- Faulty wiring causes a fire risk no one sees coming.
Regular inspections mean early detection, which often means thousands saved in repair costs and business disruption.
3. Deterrence and Reputation Protection
An empty, neglected building attracts the wrong kind of attention:
- Trespassers and squatters
- Vandalism and graffiti
- Fly-tipping and unsafe access
All this not only damages your asset, it reflects poorly on your brand or management company. Routine inspections show the property is cared for, occupied, and under watch.
4. Regulatory and Legal Compliance
If you’re responsible for a vacant property, you still have a duty of care under health and safety law.
Inspections help ensure:
- Emergency exits remain clear
- Fire alarms and systems are intact
- Structural integrity isn’t compromised
A failure in any of these areas could lead to serious
liability claims.
5. Peace of Mind for Owners, Agents, and Stakeholders
Whether you’re:
- A landlord waiting for a new tenant
- A property manager maintaining a portfolio
- Or a developer between phases
…you want to know your property is secure, maintained, and compliant, not guess.
Vacant Property Inspections give you the confidence that someone’s looking out for your asset like it’s their own.
What Should Be Included in a Professional Vacant Property Inspection?
Not all Vacant Property Inspections (VPI’s) are created equal. A quick walkaround with no documentation won’t keep your property secure and certainly won’t satisfy your insurer.
A professional Vacant Property Inspection (VPI) is a structured, documented process carried out by trained officers who know what to look for, how to report it, and what action to take.
Here’s what a high-quality VPI should include:
Vacant Property Inspection Checklist
| Inspection Area | What’s Checked | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Access Points | Doors, windows, gates, shutters | Check for signs of tampering or break-in |
| Water & Plumbing | Leaks, flooding, damp, drainage | Prevent costly water damage and structural issues |
| Trespass & Vandalism | Graffiti, fly-tipping, damage | Deter illegal activity and reduce cleanup costs |
| Fire Hazards | Wiring, fire exits, flammables | Maintain fire safety and legal compliance |
| Structural Integrity | Cracks, broken windows, roofing | Identify safety risks and repair needs early |
| Utilities & Electrical | Meter checks, lighting, alarm status | Ensure systems are safely active or deactivated |
| Perimeter & Grounds | Fencing, landscaping, storm debris | Prevent access points and external damage |
| Photographic Report | Photos and notes for each inspection | Provides audit trail and proof for insurers |
Protect Your Vacant Property
Stay compliant, avoid costly surprises, and protect your property from just £30/month.
Get started with a free consultation today.
How Often Should a Vacant Property Be Inspected?
One of the most common, and most important, questions property owners ask is:
“How often do I need to inspect a vacant property?”
The short answer:
It depends on your insurance policy and the level of risk associated with the property.
Typical Inspection Frequencies
Here’s a general guideline based on industry standards and insurer expectations:
| Property Type | Recommended Frequency | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (Unoccupied) | Every 14 days | Standard for most insurance policies |
| Commercial Properties | Weekly | Higher risk due to public access and valuable assets |
| High-Risk Urban Sites | Twice Weekly | Increased threat of vandalism or trespassing |
| Listed or Heritage Buildings | Weekly | Vulnerable to weathering, theft, and structural decay |
Why Frequency Matters
- Prevents Risk Escalation: The longer a problem goes unnoticed, the more damage it can cause.
- Keeps You Compliant: Some policies reduce or void cover if inspections aren’t logged properly.
- Saves Money: Catching a £200 roof tile issue early is better than a £10,000 water-damage claim later.
Real Cost of Prevention vs. Reaction
Neglecting regular inspections can lead to significant financial repercussions. Here’s a comparison of common property issues, highlighting the stark difference in costs between early detection through VPIs and delayed reaction:
| Issue | Caught Early (During VPI) | Caught Late (After Damage) |
|---|---|---|
| Burst Pipe | £201–£330 plumber callout | £500–£5,000+ for water damage restoration |
| Broken Window | £55–£195 glass replacement | £300–£500+ if theft or further damage occurs |
| Blocked Gutter | £120–£180 to clear | £5,000+ for damp treatment and internal repairs |
| Squatter Entry | £5,000+ for early eviction & cleanup | £20,000+ including legal fees, security, lost access |
| Electrical Fault | £40–£60/hr for electrician | £10,000–£20,000+ for fire damage restoration |
Protect Your Vacant Property
Stay compliant, avoid costly surprises, and protect your property from just £30/month.
Get started with a free consultation today.
How to Choose the Right Vacant Property Inspection Provider
Not all VPI providers are created equal, and choosing the wrong one could leave your property vulnerable, your insurance invalid, and your reputation at risk. Read more about Security for Vacant Property
When selecting a company to inspect and safeguard your vacant property, look for these essential qualities:
| What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Insurance-Compliant Service | Ensures your inspection reports meet the standards required by your insurer. |
| Detailed Photo Reports | Provides timestamped visual proof for audits, claims, and peace of mind. |
| Trained Security Personnel | Professionals are more likely to detect early signs of damage or risk. |
| Flexible Scheduling | Accommodates the inspection frequency required by your policy and risk level. |
| Property-Specific Checklists | Customises the inspection based on the unique vulnerabilities of your property. |
| Local Knowledge & Coverage | Familiarity with the area can improve risk awareness and inspection reliability. |
| Clear Communication | Keeps you informed, flags urgent issues quickly, and ensures transparency. |
📌 Tip: Always ask to see a sample inspection report before committing to a service, it’s the best way to gauge how thorough and professional a provider really is.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vacant Property Inspections (VPI's)
What is a Vacant Property Inspection (VPI)?
A Vacant Property Inspection is a scheduled check carried out by trained professionals to ensure that an unoccupied property remains secure, undamaged, and compliant with insurance and legal requirements. It includes inspecting access points, utilities, signs of damage or trespass, and providing a photographic report.
Why do I need to inspect my vacant property?
Most insurers recommend inspections every 7 to 14 days, depending on the property’s type, location, and condition. High-risk or commercial properties may require weekly inspections. Always check your policy’s wording.
How often should a vacant property be inspected?
Vacant properties are more vulnerable to break-ins, water damage, fire risk, and environmental wear. Many insurers require regular inspections as part of the policy terms. Without them, your cover could be void — and any claim rejected.
What do you check during an inspection?
Our inspections typically include:
Entry points (doors, windows, locks)
Signs of forced entry or vandalism
Water damage or leaks
Fire hazards (wiring, alarms, flammable materials)
Structural issues
Utilities condition
Grounds and fencing
A full photographic report with notes
What happens if you find a problem during an inspection?
If we discover a serious issue (e.g., a break-in, flooding, or health hazard), we alert control immediately with photos and recommendations. We can also liaise with your emergency contacts or approved contractors if agreed in advance.
Will I receive a report after each visit?
Yes. Every inspection includes a time-stamped digital report with written observations and photos. This can be used for insurance evidence, record-keeping, or audit purposes.
Can you tailor the inspection checklist to my property?
Absolutely. We customise each inspection plan to suit your specific site risks, insurance conditions, and operational needs. No two properties are treated the same.
What does the service cost?
Prices start from just £30 per month, depending on location, frequency, and the type of property. Get in touch with us for a custom quote.
Do you provide keyholding services too?
Yes. We can securely hold keys for authorised access to the property, perfect for emergencies, contractor access, or routine inspections. Prices are just £1 per day per key.
Are your officers trained and vetted?
Yes — all our officers are fully trained, SIA-licensed where applicable, and background-checked. We also provide regular in-house training on inspection protocols, documentation, and emergency procedures.
Can you inspect multiple properties for a portfolio client?
Yes. We regularly work with landlords, letting agents, housing associations, and facilities managers who manage multiple vacant sites. We can offer discounted packages for portfolios.
Where do you currently provide your Vacant Property inspection Services?
Although we provide security services across the UK, we currently provide Vacant Property Inspections (VPI’s) in Greater Manchester and Blackburn areas.
Will this help with insurance compliance?
Absolutely. In fact, many clients use our reports as part of their insurance audit trail. We follow a strict, insurer-friendly documentation process to help you meet your policy obligations.
Can you help with properties under renovation or awaiting sale?
Yes. VPIs are ideal for properties undergoing refurbishment, in probate, awaiting sale or re-let, or during long void periods.
How do I get started?
Simple, contact us via phone on 0800 035 6607 or email us at info@leisureguardsecurity.co.uk, and we’ll arrange a free consultation to assess your property and tailor an inspection plan.
Why Choose Leisure Guard Security?
Professional Security Services since 1998
At Leisure Guard, we specialise in high-quality, insurance-compliant Vacant Property Inspections designed to keep you protected, compliant, and fully informed, without the hassle.
With services starting from just £30/month + VAT, we provide:
- Regular inspections tailored to your policy
- Full photographic reports
- Clear documentation for insurers
- Trusted, trained officers across the Greater Manchester Area and surrounding areas
Ready to Protect Your Property?
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Whether your site is vacant for weeks, months, or indefinitely, we’re here to keep it secure and compliant, so you don’t have to worry.
Call us on 0800 035 6607
Email info@leisureguardsecurity.co.uk
Or request a free VPI consultation in the form here