Before You Check the House
An empty house can change between visits. A small leak, open window, utility problem, fallen limb, or insurance question can become harder to manage when no one notices it quickly.
Use this checklist to make each visit more organized. It is a recordkeeping tool, not a guarantee that the house is safe, insured, winterized, or ready to sell.
Do not enter the property if you see fire, smoke, a gas odor, exposed wiring, standing water near electricity, major structural movement, signs that someone may be inside, or another immediate danger. Leave the area and contact emergency services, the utility, insurer, or the appropriate qualified professional.
Before leaving for the house:
- Check the weather and any freeze, storm, or utility alerts.
- Make sure you have permission and a safe way to enter.
- Tell someone where you are going if the house is remote or has known damage.
- Bring a phone, flashlight, keys, and a way to take photos.
- Do not climb onto the roof or touch an unsafe system.
Printable Checklist
Use a new copy for each visit. Leave and get help if the property appears unsafe.
Property: _______________________________________________
Visit date and time: _____________________________________
Checked by: _____________________________________________
Weather since last visit: _________________________________
Insurance and Contacts
- Insurer or agent knows the house is vacant or unoccupied.
- Current coverage and any vacancy rules are confirmed.
- Required visits, utilities, alarms, and records are confirmed.
- Insurance, utility, emergency, and local contacts are current.
Insurance or agent: ______________________________________
Emergency or utility contact: ______________________________
Local person who can check the house: ______________________
Outside the House
- Doors, windows, garage, gates, sheds, and crawlspace access are secure.
- No broken glass, forced entry, graffiti, or signs of entry.
- No obvious roof, gutter, siding, tree, or storm damage from the ground.
- No standing water, unusual runoff, or visible exterior leak.
- Yard, trash, mail, packages, notices, house numbers, and walkways are handled.
Outside notes: ___________________________________________
Inside the House
- No new stain, drip, puddle, wet floor, musty odor, or unusual moisture.
- No clear new damage to ceilings, walls, floors, windows, or visible plumbing.
- No new pest activity, broken fixture, fallen material, or unsafe debris.
- Sensitive papers, medicine, valuables, firearms, chemicals, and keepsakes are secured or removed when appropriate.
- Rooms, stairs, walkways, and exits remain clear enough for a safe visit.
Inside notes: ____________________________________________
Water, Utilities, and Temperature
- Utility status is known and recorded below.
- Meter changes were checked when safe and useful.
- Freeze and water risks were reviewed with the right professional.
- No one guessed about water, heat, gas, or unsafe equipment.
- Needed pump, moisture, security, or alarm equipment was checked as directed.
Electricity: [ ] On [ ] Off [ ] Unknown
Water: [ ] On [ ] Off [ ] Unknown
Gas: [ ] On [ ] Off [ ] Not present [ ] Unknown
HVAC or temperature notes: ________________________________
Fire and Carbon-Monoxide Safety
- Existing smoke alarms were checked as directed.
- Existing carbon-monoxide detectors were checked when applicable.
- No generator, grill, charcoal device, or fuel-burning heater is used inside.
- Questionable fuel-burning equipment was left for a qualified technician.
Alarm or equipment notes: _________________________________
Record the Visit
- Dated photos show the exterior and any change or concern.
- Notices, readings, repair notes, and insurer messages were saved.
- Immediate concerns and the responsible person are recorded.
- The next visit or check-in is scheduled.
Immediate follow-up: ______________________________________
Responsible person: ______________________________________
Next visit or check-in: ___________________________________
When a Checklist Is Not Enough
Stop and get help when the house has an active leak, unsafe electrical issue, gas or carbon-monoxide concern, fire damage, major mold or moisture, structural movement, forced entry, people entering without permission, or another condition you cannot safely inspect.
For more detail, read Paranova's guide to securing a vacant Arkansas property and its explanation of vacant-house insurance and security risks.
Need Help With a Central Arkansas House?
If a vacant house in Little Rock or Central Arkansas has become difficult to manage, Paranova can help you compare a direct as-is sale with your other options.
See how Paranova can help with a vacant or unwanted house.
You can ask questions without cleaning out or repairing the property first.
Sources and Important Note
This checklist uses current guidance from Ready.gov, the U.S. Fire Administration, the CDC, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
It provides general education only. Every house, insurance policy, utility system, weather condition, and local rule can be different. Contact the insurer, utility, emergency service, licensed contractor, attorney, or other qualified professional needed for the actual situation.
