From Vacancy to Vulnerability: Protecting Housing Properties During Transition
Vacant properties don't just sit idle — they attract risk. From copper theft and unauthorized entry to burst pipes and undetected water damage, the window between occupancy and redevelopment is one of the most vulnerable phases in a housing authority's property...
One Unsecure Vacant Unit Destroyed Eight Apartments and Displaced Four Families
On Memorial Day morning, a fire started in a single vacant apartment in Oklahoma City. By the time it was over, eight units had been impacted and four families were out of their homes. [news9.com]. That’s the headline. What stays with you more is everything that...
If You’re Going to Board Up with Plywood, Read This First
Sometimes, plywood is going to happen. Emergencies, short gaps between tenants, or immediate safety issues can require a fast response. But if you’re going to use it, you should at least understand two things: how to do it correctly when it stops making sense Step 1:...
From Board-Up to Break-In: Why Plywood Often Fails Fast
Plywood isn’t just a short-term solution. For a lot of vacant properties, it becomes a repeat problem. Here’s what that looks like. Step 1: Board it up Everything gets covered. It feels secure. Done. Step 2: It gets breached What many property owners don’t expect:...
Plywood Is a Stress Decision (And Why It Backfires on Vacant Properties)
When a building goes vacant, decisions don’t happen calmly. They happen fast. A window gets broken. Someone raises a concern. There’s pressure to “secure it today.” And in that moment, plywood feels like the obvious move. Fast. Cheap. Done. But here’s the...
What to Do When a School Building Closes: A Practical Guide for Districts and Communities
When a school building closes, the work does not stop. A closed school quickly becomes one of the most visible vacant properties in a community. Without a clear plan, these buildings can create safety risks, community concern, and rising costs. What Should You Do When...
Vacant Property Security Checklist: What to Secure Before Rehab, Sale, or Demolition
Vacant properties rarely fail all at once. Most losses happen because something was overlooked early…a door left unsecured, a temporary fix assumed to be “good enough,” or a gap between phases where no one was clearly responsible. Whether a property is preparing for...
Spring Vacancy Surge: Why Vacant Properties Face Greater Risk as Weather Warms
Vacant property risk doesn’t disappear with winter. In many cases, it increases in the spring. As temperatures rise and activity returns, vacant buildings become more visible, more accessible, and more attractive to unwanted attention. For property owners, managers,...
The Hidden Cost of Vacancy Time: Why the First 30 Days Matter Most
When a property becomes vacant, the first 30 days of vacancy are often when the greatest risk appears. Whether a property is owned by a housing authority, managed by a receiver, held by an investor, or operated by a property manager, vacancy creates a new window where...
