Managing Unoccupied Commercial Properties

Alan Boswell Group have put together the following tips for managing your unoccupied commercial property which should assist you in obtaining a wider choice of quality insurance covers and competitive premiums:

• Take all reasonable precautions in securing your empty property. It will depend on the building type, location, size, and period of unoccupancy but the following should be considered
  • Mains fed alarms – it may seem obvious but you can’t risk the batteries running out!
  • CCTV
  • Manned guarding – ensure they hold SIA licences, random visits at varying times are a good deterrent.
  • Security screens or boarding.
  • Perimeter protection – check with your local planning department as some temporary structures may require a planning application.
  • Physical security – make sure window locks are in operation, bars, shutters and grilles on doors and windows.
  • Non-setting paint (also known as anti-vandal or anti climb paint).
  • Lighting – concentrate lighting in areas such as external doorways and windows where intruders may try to gain entry.
• Under the 1957 or 1984 Occupiers Liability Act you can even be held liable for injury to trespassers on your property, so you must always ensure that intruder prevention measures, such as those listed above, are suitably highlighted using warning signs. Warning signs should also be displayed at all likely points of access. This might include a ‘Fragile Roof’ warning sign or an ‘Asbestos – do not enter’ warning sign.
• Check the property regularly and keep a log of your visits. Most insurers will want you to visit the property every week, by keeping a log of your visits and taking a quick picture on your camera phone you can demonstrate to insurance companies a proactive approach to making sure your property is looked after.
• Seal up any letterboxes, many claims arise as a result of arson and when an accumulation of post builds up behind the door this can lead to rapid ignition and spread of fire.
• Drain water tanks and pipes as this will prevent pipes cracking in cold weather and minimise the risk of resultant water damage if the pipes or tanks get damaged.
• Remove any refuse or combustible materials.
• Engage the support of neighbours where the property is overlooked by occupied properties or homes. Intruders will often try to gain access under the guise of being a contractor, let your neighbours know when you have arranged for contractors to visit, that way they can alert you if they see somebody they aren’t expecting.
• Try not to advertise the fact the property is vacant. Build-up of post where the frontage is glass or an unkempt appearance i.e. overgrown grass or graffiti, all show potential intruders the building is unoccupied.

Alan Boswell Group understand commercial property owners business’ and the associated issues you face. As such, we have developed an insurance product aimed at well-managed vacant property. If you require further information or would like to obtain an insurance quote then we have an experienced team on hand to answer your queries.