Leaving your commercial property unattended during upcoming holidays poses many risks. But these can be managed with some forethought.

Depending on your building’s type, layout, use, and whether you occupy or lease out the premises, there are issues to consider. These include safety, maintenance, and usage compliance. Property owners are responsible for maintaining common and publicly accessible areas, shared equipment and ventilation and fire systems. Property owners are also liable if tenants fall short of agreements to maintain elements of essential services.

The risks of empty workplaces

When a commercial property is unattended for a prolonged period, the risks of public liability involving safety and damage remain. This could lead to severe financial costs, due to damage to the property, penalties and claims from injured third parties, or cause damage to the reputation of the property owner and tenant. Poor security or monitoring of unoccupied buildings could lead to things such as burglary, trespassers, malicious damage or vandalism, equipment neglect and general deterioration.

Reducing and managing risk

If you know that your property will go through a period of being unoccupied, say over the Christmas break, always ensure you review your security arrangements, test fire and security alarm systems, isolate and turn off utilities and equipment where possible and identify where trespassers may gain entry during the closure. Give vegetation a trim and update vermin treatments. Always inform staff and clients that you will be closed and organise alternate good deliveries and inform emergency services.

How to safely secure your office over the break

So, once you’ve locked up and left, there’s still more you can do to protect your commercial premises. Hiring a professional security service to regularly patrol the premises, monitor CCTV cameras and motion sensors, or joining a “Business Watch” scheme can help resolve any issues promptly.

The insurance you need to have in place

There’s an important difference between premises closed for holidays as opposed to vacant or unoccupied premises. The insurance premium for vacant premises tends to be three to four times higher than for tenanted buildings.

If you would like to know more about managing your commercial property risks and customising a policy package to cover your business and property needs, please CLICK HERE or contact us for more information