Squatting is every property owner’s worst nightmare. From the expensive cost of repairing damages to the difficulty of fighting legal loopholes, there’s a reason the threat of squatting keeps landlords up at night.

When it comes to commercial, or ‘non-residential’ property, landlords are even more at risk. Due to a law passed in 2012, squatting in non-residential buildings is not actually illegal. Meaning that it’s incredibly important you take the correct steps to protect your space with an effective method of commercial property security. If you manage or own vacant property, now’s a good time to make sure you understand the law and the risks you and your property face.

When it comes to vacant property protection, a monitored CCTV system can be temporarily installed to deter would-be intruders and criminals. For landlords and property managers, this could mean a great deal of peace of mind but as we discovered in our recent blog post, no security method is perfect and even a top-quality CCTV system can have its drawbacks.

In this article, we’re looking into the benefits vs disadvantages of using CCTV to protect a vacant property. So, if you’re currently managing or looking after a vacant property – you might want to keep reading.

With vacant property numbers on the rise, many landlords and property managers are looking for more effective ways to manage their empty properties. Whether it’s a vacant retail lot on the high street or an empty commercial property on an industrial estate, the costs of protecting vacant property can quickly add up. However, for landlords looking for an affordable and flexible way of securing their vacant property, property guardian schemes could be a good option.

If you manage or own commercial property, it’s important that you know your obligations for keeping the property in good shape. Often, the responsibility for the property is shared between the landlord and the current tenant dependent on the terms of the lease. However, there are always a few grey areas that it’s good to familiarise yourself with, particularly if your property is vacant and you’re looking for a new tenant.