Thoughts on boarding up vacant houses?

Question

So my house just went vacant. My property manager gave me an option of boarding up my house while they find me another tenant. What are your guys thoughts on boarding up houses? Have you had any bad experiences with boarding and/or not boarding?

Scott Mac · Answer

If the property is in D-Town and the managers suggests boarding it up--ask why and then make your decision.

Bill B. · Answer

Sounds like a giant sign saying vacant house, come party here. Are they expecting a vacancy over 7-10 days? I would clarify with them how long they think it will take to find a new tenant and if it’s over 2 weeks ask if they are the only PM in town?

Just noticed you were in Detroit after I replied. Any chance this is a neighborhood that you wouldn’t feel safe visiting at night? Personally I would sell any property my PM suggested boarding up during vacancies. It sounds like maybe the neighbors see the moving truck and take advantage?

Michael Smythe · Answer

@Eli Kim Vacant properties in the Class C areas of Detroit are broken into, mechanicals and more stolen and there are often squatters.

All the other posters are incorrectly projecting their experiences in their markets, to a market they know nothing about.

Even boarding up a Detroit property won't protect it. We recommend to our clients to remove the mechanicals until a tenant is placed.

ALSO, PLEASE DO NOT LUMP SUBURBAN DETROIT CITIES WITH THE CITY OF DETROIT!!!Our suburban cities are just like any other USA city. The City of Detroit, is unique and rebounding.

Austin F. · Answer

That will show well.....

No, don't do that.

Theresa Harris · Answer

Why would they do that? The PM should be able to find a new tenant quickly and vacancy should be 2-4 weeks.  Boarding up a home (besides the damage done by attaching the boards, and the costs of boarding it up) is like putting up a billboard that says vacant home.

If the house is in a bad area, why not sell it and buy in a better area?

Travis Biziorek · Answer

Lots of uninformed folks here that have clearly never operated in a market like Detroit.

If you expect it to be vacant for 2-3 months I would definitely board it up.

If you expect the PM will have it rented within a month, keep it open.

Of course, this depends on the area. I don't know exactly where the house is located and that would be a factor as well. I have one currently vacant in a C+/B- neighborhood that I'm working to fill and it's not boarded.

Eliott Elias · Answer

You should not board your house up unless you are in a bad neighborhood or there is a high likelihood of thievery based off current access.

Thoughts on boarding up vacant houses?

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