What Is an Occupancy Check in Property Preservation?

An occupancy check is a drive-by or walk-up field inspection to determine whether a property is currently occupied, vacant, or showing signs of activity. It is one of the simplest and most frequently ordered property preservation services — but it provides the critical intelligence that drives all other preservation decisions.

Why Occupancy Checks Are Important

Before a servicer can order an initial secure, cleanout, or maintenance on a defaulted property, they need to know the property's occupancy status. Securing an occupied property creates legal liability. Failing to secure a vacant property creates financial exposure. The occupancy check provides the status determination that triggers the appropriate next step.

What Inspectors Check

• Signs of occupancy — vehicles in the driveway, personal items visible, curtains or blinds present, maintained yard, pets, utility meters showing usage
• Signs of vacancy — overgrown grass or weeds, accumulated mail or flyers, no vehicles, no window coverings, newspapers piling up, dark at night
• Signs of unauthorized occupancy — new locks not matching servicer codes, unfamiliar vehicles, evidence of forced entry, utility reconnection
• Property condition — visible damage, code violations, boarding status, maintenance needs
• Neighbor contact — some protocols include asking neighbors about occupancy status

Types of Occupancy Checks

A drive-by occupancy check is conducted from the street without approaching the property — the inspector photographs the exterior and notes occupancy indicators. A walk-up inspection involves approaching the door, knocking, and posting a door tag with servicer contact information if no one answers. Walk-up inspections provide more detailed information but take more time and cost more. Some servicers also order interior inspections for properties confirmed vacant, which include entering the property to document interior condition.