Five Essential Checks For Vacant Commercial Properties
Vacant commercial buildings can quickly become a headache. Without regular activity, minor issues go unnoticed, opportunistic criminals take an interest and insurers start asking difficult questions about how the site is being managed. A simple, structured inspection routine can make a big difference.
Here are five essential checks that should form part of any visit to a vacant commercial property.
1. Perimeter And External Security
Start from the outside and work your way in. If the perimeter is not secure, everything inside is at greater risk.
What to check
- Fencing, walls and gates intact, with no new gaps or damage
- Locks, chains and padlocks present, working and properly secured
- Any hoardings, boarding or anti-climb measures in good condition
- CCTV cameras, lighting columns and motion sensors where fitted
- Evidence of attempted access, such as cut wire, bent bars or moved barriers
Why it matters
A damaged fence or forced gate is often the first sign that someone has been testing the site. Early detection allows you to strengthen security, repair weaknesses and, if necessary, review patrol routes or camera coverage before a minor issue becomes a major loss.
2. Doors, Windows And Access Points
Once the perimeter is checked, move on to the building itself. Every door or window is a potential access route.
What to check
- Main entrance doors locked, undamaged and sitting correctly in the frame
- Fire exits closed, secured in line with fire safety requirements and free from obstruction
- Windows intact, particularly at ground level and near flat roofs or fire escapes
- Any temporary boarding in place, secure and weather resistant
- Roof access points, hatches and ladders secure and not easily reachable
Why it matters
Vacant properties are attractive to trespassers, metal thieves and vandals. A single broken window or poorly secured fire door can provide easy entry. Recording and quickly rectifying any defects reduces the chance of squatters, theft or deliberate damage.
3. Utilities, Plant And Services
Even when a building is empty, utilities and plant often remain live in some capacity. Poorly managed services are a common cause of avoidable losses.
What to check
- Meters for water, gas and electricity, noting any unexpected changes in usage
- Isolation points clearly identified and accessible in an emergency
- Visible pipework for leaks, corrosion or signs of tampering
- Plant rooms and switch rooms secure, dry and free from unauthorised materials
- Heating or frost-protection systems operating as intended, where required
Why it matters
Unnoticed leaks can cause significant water damage and mould. Faulty electrics present a fire risk. Regular checks help you spot problems early, justify utility decisions to insurers and demonstrate that you are taking reasonable steps to protect the property.
4. Internal Condition And Housekeeping
The inside of a vacant building can deteriorate quickly if it is not monitored. Good housekeeping keeps the site safer and makes future reoccupation easier.
What to check
- Signs of unauthorised entry, vandalism or squatting, such as litter, graffiti or moved furniture
- Water ingress on ceilings, walls or floors, particularly after heavy rain
- Condition of doors, stairwells and common areas, ensuring routes remain clear
- Any stored items or waste, confirming they are safe, minimal and properly located
- Signs of pests, such as droppings, nesting materials or damage to soft furnishings
Why it matters
A poorly looked-after interior can turn a manageable vacancy into a major refurbishment project. Simple steps such as removing rubbish, closing internal doors and reporting defects reduce damage, discourage intruders and support future letting or sale.
5. Compliance, Signage And Reporting
Finally, every visit should confirm that essential compliance measures are still in place and that you have a clear record of what was found.
What to check
- External signage indicating private property, no unauthorised access and emergency contact details
- Fire safety signage and equipment in appropriate locations, proportionate to the current use of the building
- Any insurer-specified conditions, such as frequency of inspections or requirements for boarding and alarm systems
- That inspection findings are recorded clearly with time, date, name of inspector and any photographs
Why it matters
If an incident occurs, you may be asked to evidence how the property has been managed during vacancy. A simple, repeatable reporting format shows that checks were carried out regularly and that issues were acted upon. This can be vital when dealing with insurers, regulators or future occupiers.
Bringing It All Together
Vacant commercial properties will always carry some level of risk, but that risk can be managed. By focusing on these five essential areas — perimeter security, access points, utilities, internal condition and compliance — organisations can significantly reduce the likelihood of damage, loss and costly delays when it is time to bring a building back into use.
For businesses that lack the time or local presence to complete these visits themselves, partnering with a security-led support provider can be a practical solution. Regular, documented inspections offer peace of mind that even when a site is empty, it has not been forgotten.
