How to Prevent Squatters While on Vacation?

Going on vacation should be a time of relaxation and adventure, not a cause for concern about what is happening back home. However, if you are leaving your property unattended, the risk of squatters becomes a serious issue. Essentially, squatters are individuals who occupy a vacant property without the owner’s permission.

Squatters may take advantage of your absence to claim residence in your home, making it difficult and time-consuming to remove them once they have established occupancy. To avoid returning from a trip to find unwanted guests in your home, it is crucial to take some preventive measures before you leave.

Secure Your Property to Deter Squatters

Squatters are opportunists. They are more likely to target a home that appears easy to enter. Ensure all windows and doors are locked and consider upgrading to stronger locks if you have not done so already. Reinforcing entry points with deadbolts or smart locks can make it more challenging for someone to break in.

Hey / Pexels / To keep squatters at bay, install a security system that can act as a significant deterrent.

Modern systems offer features like remote monitoring, doorbell cameras, and motion detectors, allowing you to watch your property from anywhere in the world. A well-advertised security system – like signs or stickers on doors and windows – can discourage potential squatters from targeting your home.

Make Your Home Look Occupied

Another effective way to prevent squatters while on vacation is to make your home appear occupied. Squatters tend to avoid properties that seem to be lived in, so creating the illusion of occupancy can be a powerful deterrent. Set timers for lights, TVs, and radios to turn on and off at various times throughout the day. This creates the impression that someone is home, even when the house is empty.

Apart from light timers, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your home regularly. They can collect mail, take out the trash, and occasionally park their car in your driveway. These activities help maintain the appearance of normal daily routines, making it less likely that squatters will target your property.

Notify Local Authorities of Your Absence

Some communities have programs where local law enforcement can perform periodic checks on your property while you are away. Letting the police know about your absence and requesting their assistance in monitoring your home can add an extra layer of security.

Ibidsy / Pexels / Informing local authorities of your travel plans is one of the best ways of preventing squatters while you are on vacation.

You can also notify your homeowners’ association (HOA) if you have one. HOAs often have their own security patrols or monitoring systems that can help keep an eye on your property. By keeping these organizations informed, you create additional deterrents against squatters who might consider taking advantage of your absence.

Rent Out Your Home

If you are going on a long vacation, one of the best ways to prevent squatters while on vacation is to rent out your home. Having someone live on your property eliminates the risk of squatters entirely, as the home will not be vacant. Websites and services that specialize in short-term rentals can help you find tenants to occupy your home during your absence.

Renting out your home has the dual benefit of preventing squatters and generating extra income while you are away. Ensure that you screen potential renters thoroughly to avoid any issues.

A legitimate tenant with a signed lease agreement will make it virtually impossible for squatters to establish residence in your home.

Use Property Management Services

Lastly, consider hiring a property management service. These companies can oversee your property in your absence, ensuring that it remains secure and occupied.

Property management services can handle everything from basic maintenance and lawn care to arranging short-term rentals, if desired. Give it a try!