How long can a house be left unoccupied?
Asked by: Prof. Deja Feeney I | Last update: December 25, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (11 votes)
How long can you leave a house empty?
Generally, there are no set-rules in place that state how long you can leave your unoccupied property vacant for. However, it is important to note that most standard home insurance providers will only cover an empty property for 30 to 60 days.
How long can a house stay unoccupied?
Many homeowners are unaware that, under most standard homeowners' insurance policies, theft, damage, or other problems occurring after a home has been vacant for an extended period of time (typically around 30 days) are not covered.
What happens to a house when no one lives in it?
As many Southerners know, an unmaintained house will quickly dilapidate, so it's crucial to stay up to date on home repairs and replacements. If vandals and squatters don't get there first, moisture will eventually commandeer an abandoned home.
How long can my house be empty?
Exactly how long you can leave your home empty before you'll need to tell your insurance provider will depend on who handles your policy. At Homeprotect, we need to know if your property is unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days or more so that we can factor these increased risks into your policy terms.
How Long Can I Leave My House Unoccupied?
What happens when a house sits vacant?
The most common structural damages to occur in a vacant home include: Leaky, broken, or frozen pipes. Mold. Termites and other insects or animals.
How long does it take to empty a 3 bedroom house?
A medium-sized house with moderate belongings usually takes around one to two days for clearance. This estimate allows for proper sorting, organizing, and disposal processes. However, additional time may be needed if there are valuable items for sale or if specialized handling is required.
What makes a house abandoned?
An abandoned house is a vacant property due to foreclosure, bankruptcy, and financial or legal reasons. Since most homes are abandoned due to financial reasons, they are typically run down and need renovating.
Is it bad to leave a house empty?
An unoccupied house is a prime target for trespassers and burglars. Even if the house sits empty, you want to make sure it looks occupied enough to dissuade individuals from breaking in.
What happens to a house if no one owns it?
If the decedent left a will, it will name an executor to administer the estate and distribute its assets. If the decedent did not leave a will, a probate court judge will appoint an administrator to distribute the decedent's property as required by law.
What is the difference between vacant and unoccupied houses?
If you're on vacation, in the hospital or traveling for work, your home would likely be considered unoccupied. If your home is for sale or rent and you've already moved everything out, or if you inherit a property but do not yet live in it, it is most likely that the home would be considered vacant.
Why do houses deteriorate when no one lives in them?
Houses without maintenance will eventually deteriorate due to natural forces like weather, biological decay and structural failure over decades or even centuries.
How long do you have to occupy a second home?
Owner occupancy
Second home: Must be lived in or used by the owner for at least 14 days of the year. Investment property: Must be occupied by the owner for less than 14 days of the year.
How long can a home be unoccupied?
Unoccupied Property and Home Insurance
Some insurers will specify that you cannot leave your home unoccupied for more than 60 days. Others will be a lot stricter and will void your policy if your home's unoccupied for more than 30 days. Some home insurance policies might be a bit more flexible.
How to leave a house for a few months?
Make sure all the doors and windows are locked. If possible, place your valuables in a safe. Look for any signs of damage before you leave, focusing on pipes, gutters, roofing, and locks. Repair anything in advance to make it less likely that anything will go wrong while you're away.
What is considered an empty house?
Generally, your home is considered vacant if it's left empty for 30 to 60 days or more. Most typical homeowner policies won't provide full coverage for the property once it's been vacated. Vacant home insurance can be purchased to help.
What is the best temperature to leave an empty house?
In general, it's recommended to set your thermostat to 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This may seem high compared to the freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but it'll help keep the interior of the floor and wall cavities – where your plumbing is often located – safely above freezing temperatures.
What happens to a house when it sits vacant?
Vacant or abandoned buildings have to withstand the elements that come with changing weather as well. In the warmer seasons, water can seep into the walls of the home and cause dampness. In winter, frozen water can compromise the strength of the walls.
Is it normal to never leave your house?
While not wanting to leave the house can be a symptom of depression, it's more likely you have another condition called agoraphobia, a fear of open spaces. Although agoraphobia isn't common, it's associated with anxiety.
What is considered abandoning a house?
Abandoned property is personal property that was left by an owner who intentionally relinquishes all rights to its control. Real property may not be abandoned (see also adverse possession ).
Is it illegal to take from an abandoned house?
Entering an abandoned building without permission is typically illegal. At a minimum, you could potentially be charged with trespassing. If you enter with the intent to steal or vandalize the property, you could be charged with the more serious crime of burglary.
Who to complain to about an abandoned house?
Report vacant properties: Report unsecured vacant properties, illegal dumping, overgrown vacant lots, and other building safety hazards to your local code enforcement department.
Is an empty house harder to sell?
It's important to note that vacant homes don't sell for less simply because of their empty interior. As we've discussed, having the homeowners out of the house can actually make the selling process easier. The real reason that vacant homes don't sell for as much money is because of the lack of emotional connection.
What happens to empty houses?
A house that is left unoccupied for an extended period of time can fall victim to a number of problems. Without regular maintenance, the building will slowly deteriorate, both inside and out. The windows will become dirty, the gutters will fill with leaves, and the paint will start to peel.