How Often Should Someone Check on Your House When You're Away?

A Practical Guide for Homeowners

Many homeowners travel for extended periods during the year—whether for business, seasonal relocation, or simply spending time with family in another location. When a home sits empty, one common question often comes up:

How often should someone check on the house?
While every property is different, regular home visits are one of the most effective ways to prevent small problems from becoming major repairs.

At DCN Property Management, we routinely check homes throughout Concord, Lincoln, Carlisle, Acton, and surrounding Massachusetts communities. Over the years we’ve seen how quickly unexpected issues can develop when a property sits unattended.

Here are several factors homeowners should consider.

Why Regular Home Checks Matter
Homes rely on a number of systems that continue to operate even when no one is living there.
These include:

• heating systems
• plumbing systems
• electrical systems
• sump pumps
• appliances

If something stops working unexpectedly, the issue may go unnoticed for days or weeks without someone visiting the property. Regular checks allow small problems to be discovered early.

Winter Months Require More Frequent Visits
In colder climates like Massachusetts, winter creates additional risks for homes that are left unattended.
If a heating system fails, indoor temperatures can drop quickly and pipes may freeze. Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant water damage. For this reason, many homeowners prefer more frequent property visits during the winter months.

David’s Tip:
During winter inspections we always verify that heating systems are operating properly and that interior temperatures remain within a safe range.

Smart Devices Can Help — But They Don’t Replace Visits
Many homeowners today use smart home technology to monitor their property remotely.

Common devices include:

• smart thermostats such as the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium or Google Nest Thermostat
• leak sensors like the Govee WiFi Water Leak Detector
• security cameras such as the Blink Outdoor Camera System

These tools can send alerts if something changes, but they cannot physically inspect the home. Technology works best when combined with regular visits.

What Happens During a Property Check
During a home visit, a property manager or trusted individual may perform several basic checks to ensure everything is functioning properly.

These typically include:

• verifying that the heating system is operating
• checking for water leaks
• inspecting basements and mechanical areas
• confirming doors and windows are secure
• looking for storm damage or exterior concerns

These simple inspections help identify potential issues before they become serious problems.

Peace of Mind for Homeowners
Many homeowners find that regular property checks provide valuable peace of mind while they are away. Knowing that someone is periodically visiting the property can help reduce the risk of unexpected surprises.
Whether homeowners travel frequently, manage property from another location, or spend part of the year away, having someone monitor the home can be an important part of responsible home care.

Final Thoughts
Leaving your home unattended for extended periods does not have to be stressful. With proper preparation, smart monitoring tools, and regular property visits, homeowners can significantly reduce the risks associated with vacant homes.
Taking a proactive approach helps ensure that homes remain safe, secure, and well maintained even when homeowners are away.

​About the Author
David Nicholson is the owner of DCN Property Management and has spent more than a decade helping homeowners monitor and maintain their properties throughout Concord, Lincoln, Carlisle, Acton, and surrounding Massachusetts communities.


​