Winter will be here before too long and for landlords of unoccupied properties, it's a good time to take some simple steps to help mitigate damage from unexpected situations. Vacation homes, second homes and unrented condominiums can be at an increased risk for wind, hail or other types of damage for unsuspecting owners. Wendy Cammet, head of property product management for Farmers Specialty Insurance, recommends that landlords take steps to secure properties against theft and vandalism, as well as be proactive in preventing ice dams and frozen pipes by cleaning gutters to avoid a build-up of ice and snow. "Keeping the home properly ventilated can help thwart warm air from melting ice on the roof, leading to possible damage," she cautions. Maintaining the exterior of the property can help prevent ice buildup on sidewalks and reduce the chances of slips and falls while ensuring the home looks occupied even when it isn't. Many times, owners forget to bring in outdoor furniture that can blow into windows or out into yards or roadways. According to Farmers Insurance, loss data from 2018-2020 shows that the most common claims for vacation properties involved freezing pipes, ice dams and damage from heavy snow and ice. "Don't be caught off guard," warns Cammet, "winter can pose unique challenges to landlords with unoccupied properties. Landlords can benefit from preparing their vacant properties before inclement weather begins to help reduce risk and checking in with their insurance agent to help ensure they have appropriate coverages." Check out the slideshow above for recommendations from Farmers Insurance on how to protect unoccupied properties during the winter. Related: |

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