In my work with Maryland property owners, I have seen how much harder an unauthorized occupancy issue can become when it is discovered late. When a property sits empty and nobody has a record of who had access or what condition it was in, sorting out what happened can become much more difficult.

That is why checking a vacant property regularly matters. Keep a simple record of your visits, take photos when needed, make sure doors and windows are secure, and pay attention to anything that looks different from the last time you were there.

And if you do discover someone living in the property without permission, resist the urge to handle it yourself. The right legal process matters, even when the situation feels obvious or frustrating.

For landlords, vacancy management is not just about waiting for the next tenant. It is part of protecting the property while no one is there.

What system do you use to keep an eye on your vacant properties?