After a previous tenant moves out of a rental property, some vacancy period is unavoidable until the next tenant is found. Some landlords assume that once the property has been restored and cleaned, no further action is needed. However, if vacancy management is neglected, the property may deteriorate rapidly. This article explains why vacancy management matters and what concrete measures should be taken.
What kind of deterioration occurs when vacancy management is neglected?
In an unoccupied room, the following types of deterioration can occur.
Unpleasant odors
When no one is living in the unit, indoor air is not circulated, and unpleasant odors begin to develop. In particular, when the water in drain traps around wet areas evaporates, sewer odors can rise back into the room. Kitchens, washbasins, and toilets are especially prone to this issue.
Plumbing problems
When water no longer flows, odors can develop from water left inside the pipes. Washing machine drains, the area beneath washbasins, and pipe joints require particular attention.
Mold growth
Without ventilation, mold in the air reacts to moisture and begins to spread. Mold can develop even in areas that were cleaned during restoration, depending on the environment, and if left unattended, it can cause unpleasant odors and deterioration of building materials.
Pest intrusion
When water in drain traps evaporates, pests such as cockroaches can enter the room through the pipes. This problem is usually prevented when someone is living there, but it tends to become more serious during vacancy.
Accumulation of dust and dirt
Dust accumulates even in rooms with no foot traffic. If left for a long period, it can significantly damage the impression during viewings and lead prospective tenants to walk away.
Why does a vacant room deteriorate?
It is important to understand the root causes of deterioration during vacancy.
Lack of ventilation
The biggest cause of room deterioration is inadequate ventilation. When a tenant is living there, doors naturally open and close and water is used as part of daily life. Without that activity, indoor air becomes stagnant. The buildup of moisture leads to mold and unpleasant odors.
Suspended water flow
When the water supply is no longer used, the water in drain traps evaporates and grime inside the pipes begins to harden. If water is not run regularly, deterioration of the plumbing will also progress.
Lack of routine inspections
Leaks and equipment issues that a tenant would normally notice can go undetected in a vacant unit. By the time they are found, repair costs are often much higher.
What concrete measures should be taken for vacancy management?
Here are the management tasks that should be carried out during a vacancy period.
Regular ventilation
Open the windows and ventilate the room once or twice a month. Ventilating for about 30 minutes to 1 hour helps prevent mold and unpleasant odors.
Running water
Run water from every faucet and refill the drain traps. By running water for about 1 minute at each faucet per visit once or twice a month, you can prevent odor problems and plumbing deterioration.
Cleaning and inspection
- Remove dust and wipe the floors
- Check the condition of wet areas
- Inspect window frames for mold
- Check whether equipment is functioning properly (air conditioner, water heater, etc.)
Outsourcing to a management company
If it is difficult to manage the property regularly on your own, it is also effective to outsource vacancy management to a reliable management company. Regular professional inspections help maintain the condition of the property.
How can vacancy management be made more efficient?
Landlords who own multiple properties need efficient management methods.
Create a management checklist
List ventilation, running water, cleaning, and equipment inspection tasks, and put a system in place to record the dates when they are completed.
Use IoT devices
By introducing temperature and humidity sensors or ventilation systems that can be operated remotely, you can manage the indoor environment without visiting the property.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How often should vacancy management be carried out?
Once or twice a month is a practical guideline. Humidity tends to be higher during the rainy season and summer, so increasing the frequency is recommended.
Q. How much can repair costs be if vacancy management is neglected?
If mold or pest damage spreads, repair costs can in some cases reach several hundred thousand yen. Preventing problems through regular management is the most cost-efficient approach.
Q. What is the typical cost of asking a management company to handle vacancy management?
A monthly fee ranging from several thousand yen to around 10,000 yen is common. Since pricing varies depending on the scope of management, it is advisable to obtain quotes from multiple companies.
