Holiday Home Check Routine: Leaving Your House Safely
A simple pre-holiday routine for UK homes covering water, heating, security, appliances, post and who to ask to check on things while you are away.
Most problems in an empty home are not dramatic. A dripping tap, a fridge that has failed, post piled on the mat or a window left unlatched. The aim of a pre-holiday routine is to shrink the list of things that can go wrong, and to make sure that someone could deal with them if they did. Allow twenty minutes the evening before you leave.
Water and plumbing
Water is the biggest risk, because a small leak can run for days without anyone noticing.
- For a week or more, turn off the water at the stop tap. For shorter trips it is optional, but harmless.
- Open the kitchen cold tap briefly to relieve pressure, then close it.
- Switch off the immersion heater or put the combi boiler on holiday or frost mode.
- Empty the washing machine and dishwasher and leave doors slightly open to avoid smells and mould.
- Check under sinks for drips before you go; a slow leak is better found now.
If you have a washing machine or dishwasher, turn off the isolation valves if you can reach them.
Heating and electricity
In winter, set the heating to a frost-protection temperature rather than turning it off. Around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius keeps pipes safe at a lower cost than normal heating.
In summer, you can switch off the heating completely. Either way:
- Unplug non-essential appliances such as TVs, toasters and chargers.
- Leave fridge and freezer on, but clear out anything perishable. Use up milk and fresh food before you go.
- Check that smoke alarms are working. Our smoke alarm testing schedule explains how.
- Leave a timer on one or two lamps if you want the home to look occupied, but do not rely on it as your only security.
Security
- Lock all windows, including upstairs and small ones. Fit the key where you cannot be seen through the glass.
- Lock sheds and garages; garden tools and ladders help intruders.
- Cancel regular deliveries, or ask a neighbour to collect parcels and post.
- Avoid announcing your absence on social media. Post photos when you return.
- Put valuables out of sight from windows.
Garden and outdoors
- Water pots thoroughly and group them in shade, or use capillary matting.
- Mow before you leave in summer.
- Bring in light furniture and cushions in autumn and winter.
- Check gutters and drains in autumn if you will be away for several weeks, as blockages can cause leaks while you are gone.
Who to ask and what to give them
Arrange a key holder you trust. A good plan covers:
- How often to visit. Every few days in winter, weekly in summer.
- What to look for. Water stains, post, signs of entry, boiler lights.
- What to do in an emergency. Where the stop tap and fuse board are, and the number of a plumber or electrician you would use.
- How to reach you. Your contact details and, ideally, a second contact.
Do not leave a spare key under a mat or flowerpot. A key safe fitted by a competent person is better if you do not have a neighbour.
Insurance
Many home insurance policies have conditions about unoccupied properties, often after 30 or more consecutive days, though terms vary. Check your policy wording if you are away longer than a few weeks.
After you return
Run taps to clear stale water, turn the stop tap back on slowly and check for leaks. Reset the heating, check fridge and freezer, and take a quick walk around.
If something has gone wrong, search for local help on Compito and send a request to compare offers from ID-verified providers. For emergencies, see who to call in a home emergency.
A one-page checklist you can copy
- Taps and appliances off, stop tap closed if away a week or more.
- Heating set to frost or off, depending on season.
- Fridge cleared of perishables, bins emptied.
- Windows and doors locked, spare keys put away.
- Post and parcels arranged, key holder briefed.
- Valuables out of view, shed and garage locked.
- Phone numbers for plumber, electrician and emergency contacts left with the key holder.
Longer absences and seasonal changes
If you will be away for several weeks, think about smaller risks: a build-up of leaves in gutters, uncut grass, plants drying out or pests entering. In winter, ask your key holder to check the heating is running and that pipes are not frozen; see how to stop pipes freezing. In summer, consider blinds to reduce heat and fading.
If you rent or share a home
Tell your landlord or managing agent if you will be away for a long time, particularly in winter. If you share, agree who is responsible for the checks and who has a key. Do not switch off shared systems without agreement.
What a good key holder does
- Visits on the days you agreed and takes a quick walk-through.
- Looks for water marks, odd smells, post and signs of entry.
- Does not move or lend your keys.
- Calls the emergency contact if something is wrong, and uses the emergency list you provided.
When you come back
Take a few minutes before you unpack. Run cold and hot taps for a minute, check under sinks, reset the clock and heating, and look in loft and garage if you can. A quick check on day one is much cheaper than finding a problem a week later.
Frequently asked questions
Should I turn the heating off when I go on holiday?
In winter, leave it on a low frost setting to protect pipes. In summer you can usually turn it off entirely.
Is it worth turning off the water at the mains?
For a week or more it is a sensible precaution, because it removes the risk of a hidden leak. Make sure you know where the stop tap is and that it works.
Do I need to tell my insurer I am going away?
Not usually for a normal holiday, but long absences can affect cover. Read your policy conditions or ask your insurer.