PREVENTION · EMPTY PROPERTY
Empty Property Security: Preventing Unauthorised Access
An temporarily vacant property requires a specific level of organisation. Maintained access points and regular monitoring help identify anomalies quickly, without confusing physical security with legal procedures.
KEY POINTS
If the property is occupied without authorisation, do not carry out a forced eviction yourself and do not replace locks to remove occupants. Contact the relevant authorities.
Maintain reliable closures
Check the main door, secondary access points, and windows. A durable lock, a damaged cylinder, or a strike plate that does not fit properly must be addressed before prolonged vacancy.
Reinforcement depends on the condition of the support. A cylinder protection or steel door reinforcement can be assessed on a sound door; a severely degraded frame may require an alternative solution. It is better to fix the actual weak point than to add poorly coordinated accessories.
Know who holds the keys
After a change of tenant or renovations, review the current key sets. If access is no longer properly controlled, a new cylinder can be installed to enable a fresh key combination.
Keep the property's documentation and essential management information. For regular visits, appoint a trusted individual and an organised access method. Avoid leaving a key in plain sight or publicly disclosing information about tenant absence.
Detect anomalies without delay
A regular visit can reveal signs on the door, a damaged window, or an altered closure. A detection system can supplement this monitoring if its operation and alert response are planned.
In the event of signs of intrusion, prioritise your security. Take photographs of the damage if safe to do so and contact the authorities according to the situation. A break-in attempt may have damaged the mechanism even if the door still appears to close properly.
Distinguish security from illegal occupation
Procedures depend on the circumstances and the property's condition. Outdated, one-size-fits-all procedures based on a supposed 48-hour deadline do not determine the applicable process.
Official form What to do when squatters occupy a property? Contains the procedures and relevant contacts. MULTISECU's role is to diagnose and secure access within an authorised framework, particularly after restitution, without substituting the authorities' responsibilities.
MULTISECU ADVICE
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