How To Secure an Empty and Unoccupied Commercial Building

An unoccupied commercial building is vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and squatting. Beyond this, if something goes wrong while the building’s unoccupied, it could be days, or even weeks, before the issue’s found. So any minor issues could soon snowball into major disasters. In this post we’ll discuss ways you can secure your empty and unoccupied commercial building. Insurance can provide essential cover for as long as your property remains unoccupied. If you’ve any questions or concerns about your commercial insurance needs, we have a team of experts on hand to assist. Contact us on 020 8290 9080 or email business@anthonyjones.com.

The Risks of Unoccupied Commercial Buildings

Before you consider how to keep your empty or unoccupied commercial building secure, it’s worth taking the time to think about the specific risks you’re facing. Perform a risk assessment for your commercial building, and you can gain a thorough understanding of all possible hazards, along with the risk mitigation measures that are currently in place. You’ll then know exactly what you’ll need to do to keep your property as safe and secure as possible. Read our full guide to writing a risk assessment for your unoccupied commercial property.

How to Keep Your Unoccupied Commercial Property Secure

When it comes to securing your commercial property, you’ll should chiefly focus on fire safety, and on preventing unauthorised access.

• Fire safety systems: Including fire doors, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems. Choose an alarm system that automatically notifies you, and the emergency services, if it detects a fire. This way, you won’t have to worry about fires spreading while there’s nobody around to extinguish them.
• Security systems: CCTV, locks, security shutters, and alarm systems which, again, can send automatic alerts if they detect any unlawful access.

If anyone does break into your unoccupied commercial property, then they may attempt to establish themselves as a squatter, and refuse to leave. In this case, the law is on your side. Be sure to read our full guide to avoiding and removing squatters from your property.

Do You Need Onsite Security Personnel?

You should consider onsite security personnel if:

• It’s a large property, with multiple points of entry.
• You’re storing valuable good onsite.
• The property’s in disrepair, or there are hazardous materials onsite, meaning that any interlopers risk serious injury.
• You know the property will be unoccupied for an extended period.

Onsite security personnel are a considerable investment. But the cost may outweigh the potential costs of vandalism, lost or stolen goods, or the legal fees or compensation payments that would arise following an accident or an injury.

What are Property Guardians?

As an alternative to onsite security personnel, you could temporarily class your commercial property as a residential property. Allow someone to live onsite as a “property guardian”, and as well as helping to keep the place safe, you can also avoid paying business rates. Read our full guide to business rates and unoccupied commercial properties.

Get Dedicated Business Insurance For Your Commercial Property

Joe Penny, Associate Director at Anthony Jones says: “If your commercial property is currently unoccupied, a standard commercial property insurance policy may not cover you. At Anthony Jones, we can help you get comprehensive unoccupied commercial property insurance at a competitive price.” For more information, and a free quote, call us on 020 8290 9082, or email business@anthonyjones.com.