What type of things need to be done when leaving a house/villa for awhile??

[JohnN]

There may be a thread on this, and I've used the search function and have gone through 10 or more pages searching, but can't find it.

What are some typical things that are important to remember when leaving TV (or anywhere) for a month or two or more? ie: thermostat settings,

anyone keep a list? thanks

[redwitch]

One main thing is have someone watch your house. It seems if anything happens and the house vacant for more than 30 days and unwatched, your insurance company won't cover the damage.

If you do decide to not have someone check your home weekly, then put plastic wrap on your toilets so that bugs and snakes can't get into your home that way.

You can get a humidistat but it's not really necessary as long as your thermostat is working (set it at 82).

Make sure water heater is turned to "vacation" setting (do not turn water off!).

Unplug major entertainment units (television, stereo system, puters).

Clean out your fridge of perishables. Turn icemaker to off. Turn fridge to lower setting.

Set sprinklers.

There's probably more but those are the main things.

Oh, did I mention have someone check your house weekly?

[bobfl]

John, try this thread:


https://www.talkofthevillages.com/smf/index.php/topic,5959.0.html

[JohnN]

redwitch, thank you for the good info, you're the best, always

bobfl - that's the thread I was looking for!! thanks

[dadspet]

Make sure water heater is turned to "vacation" setting (do not turn water off!).

Why not turn water off? It seems as if you have a hose / pipe leak / burst or overflow someplace you will have a flood?

[redwitch]

You get sludge in the hot water heater if you turn off the water and drain it. That's one of the reasons you have someone watch your home. The bigger reason is that insurance companies are now denying coverage if a home is vacant for more than 30 days and someone doesn't come in WEEKLY to check it (and you can prove they are checking it -- emails work, supposedly).

[dadspet]

You get sludge in the hot water heater if you turn off the water and drain it. That's one of the reasons you have someone watch your home. The bigger reason is that insurance companies are now denying coverage if a home is vacant for more than 30 days and someone doesn't come in WEEKLY to check it (and you can prove they are checking it -- emails work, supposedly).




I've received no notification from my insurance company or TV agent about no coverage for our house if it was vacant for more than 30 days unless someone checks it weekly (granted that's a good thing to do but a little pricey). Our TV insurance agent also knew we were snowbirds/flakes and didn't mention any clause or requirement about weekly in house inspections for the policy. I'm sure there can be some companies that require it - if so I'd check with TV Insurance.

[redwitch]

Knowing insurance companies, I doubt it is something they would mention. I just know of two instances where there was damage to a home that was "unoccupied" -- one for a 2-month vacation (mold damage when the AC went out), the other was a snowbird (fire in garage). In both instances, their insurance companies refused to cover on the basis that they were not being diligent in taking care of their home. I have no idea who their insurance companies were.

Unless you go with Empty Nest (which is ridiculously high), most homewatch services are pretty reasonable -- under $50/month. So, I wouldn't call it expensive given the damage that can occur if your home is not watched. Plus, you can get a friend or neighbor to check for you. Just have them send you an email for proof if needed.

I am not a snowbird and I do do homewatch as part of my business, so it may seem I am trying to push my services, but I'm not. I just urge anyone whose home is going to be unoccupied for more than 30 days in a row to have someone check their home. It does help protect your home whether or not covered by insurance. I know I've found things like wasps nests; a roach infestation; a leaking toilet; notes by TV stating that weeds were taking over the yard. These were all quickly and easily resolved with no major damage or cost for the homeowner. All could have become major problems had the house not been checked weekly.

[l2ridehd]

It is a low cost to pay for piece of mind. I use redwitch to go to my home every week and make sure everything is OK. She is responsive and always willing to do the extra things you never think of. I would highly recommend her and wold not consider leaving the house not being checked. Insurance or not for the relatively low cost it is very worth while.

[another Linda]

I've received no notification from my insurance company or TV agent about no coverage for our house if it was vacant for more than 30 days unless someone checks it weekly (granted that's a good thing to do but a little pricey). Our TV insurance agent also knew we were snowbirds/flakes and didn't mention any clause or requirement about weekly in house inspections for the policy. I'm sure there can be some companies that require it - if so I'd check with TV Insurance.


We have the "no coverage for vacant property" issue with our camp on the Finger lakes here in NY. No one can check it because you can't get to it in the winter. Our insurance company is USAA -- one of the best. They told me it was pretty standard.

[SteveFromNY]

I've received no notification from my insurance company or TV agent about no coverage for our house if it was vacant for more than 30 days unless someone checks it weekly (granted that's a good thing to do but a little pricey). Our TV insurance agent also knew we were snowbirds/flakes and didn't mention any clause or requirement about weekly in house inspections for the policy. I'm sure there can be some companies that require it - if so I'd check with TV Insurance.


Check your policy. Mine clearly states if the house is vacant for more than 30th days the coverage lapses. Not sure if all events are the same, but theft was mentioned specifically. Perhaps storm damage would be covered, unless there is an expectation you will prepare the hom in some way.