Guide
Is your locked house in Kottakuppam losing value? What to check every month
A house that is shut for a year does not stay as you left it. In a humid coastal climate, the damage is slow, quiet and expensive.
Why empty houses age quickly
Without daily use, air does not move, damp settles into walls and cupboards, and small leaks go unnoticed until a ceiling stains. Termites need very little time. A garden that is not cut can hide the compound wall within a season.
The monthly checklist
- Open every door and window, and run every tap to clear stagnant water
- Look at ceilings and wall bases for new damp marks
- Check wood, doors and cupboards for termite trails
- Clear drains, gutters and the sump
- Test electrical points and the meter reading
- Cut back the garden and check the compound wall and gate
- Photograph every room with the date
Security and encroachment
A visibly neglected house invites trouble. Neighbours notice who visits. Someone should be seen coming and going each month, and a trusted person should hold the keys. For more on protecting property you cannot visit, read our guide on encroachment.
Doing it from abroad
Relatives get tired of this chore, and a monthly visit is easy to skip. A paid visit with a dated photo and video report fixes that. Start with our free rental audit and property check: we visit, film a walk-through and tell you what we found.
Want to know what condition your house is in?
We will visit, film every room and send a written report in three working days.