When Tenants Travel: Protecting Your Property During Holiday Absences

Berkeley’s winters may be mild, but stormy weather, power outages, and long tenant absences can still create costly surprises for housing providers. The holiday season brings extended travel for many residents—leaving homes empty for a week or more just as the first serious rainstorms arrive. By setting clear expectations now, housing providers can protect their properties while respecting tenant privacy and legal boundaries.

Encourage Open Communication

The most effective protection is simple: communication. A short, friendly email or seasonal notice can remind tenants that you appreciate knowing if they’ll be away for more than a few days during the winter months. You can’t require them to disclose travel plans, but many are willing to share the dates as a courtesy when they understand why it matters.

Explain that having general notice of absences helps you stay alert for things like severe weather, power outages, or burst outdoor drains. Reassure tenants that this isn’t about intrusion—it’s about ensuring the property remains safe and secure while unoccupied.

Preventive Maintenance Before They Leave

If tenants provide advance notice, it’s an opportunity to schedule a quick pre-holiday maintenance check. With proper notice under California Civil Code §1954, you can lawfully enter to:

• Confirm that heaters, smoke detectors, and CO alarms are working.

• Check for signs of leaks, window condensation, or drainage issues.

• Ensure roof gutters and yard drains are clear before a forecasted storm.

These visits serve both parties—tenants avoid coming home to problems, and owners prevent preventable damage.

Remind Tenants of Their Role in Prevention

A few proactive steps on the tenant’s end can prevent serious damage or mold growth while they’re away:

• Close windows securely and ensure screens are latched.

• Leave heat set to a moderate level to prevent condensation buildup.

• Wipe up any moisture that forms on window sills before leaving.

• Use exhaust fans to air out kitchens and bathrooms.

• Open blackout curtains or heavy drapes daily if someone will be checking the unit, to let light and airflow reach window areas.

• Unplug small electronics that don’t need to run while they’re gone.

• Empty trash bins and discard perishables to prevent odor and pests.

• Ask a neighbor or friend to collect mail, packages, or flyers.

Tenants should also be reminded that if they’ll be away for more than a couple of weeks, they can designate an emergency contact who is authorized to communicate with you should a serious issue arise—especially helpful if storm or utility damage occurs.

Address Emergencies and Access in Advance

It’s wise to include a simple sentence in your seasonal communication such as:

“If you plan to be away for an extended period, please let us know whether we have permission to enter your unit in case of emergency, or if we should contact a designated representative instead.”

That language helps maintain transparency while ensuring you can protect the property if an actual emergency occurs—such as a broken window, roof leak, or water intrusion during a storm.

Under California Civil Code §1954, landlords may enter without notice only in true emergencies. Otherwise, even with a valid reason, notice is required unless the tenant has granted specific permission for entry during their absence. If tenants voluntarily give written authorization for limited entry (for instance, to check for leaks or respond to storm alerts), be sure to document that agreement clearly.

The BPOA Residential Rental Agreement outlines lawful reasons for entry and references §1954, but it doesn’t waive tenants’ right to notice. Owners should always rely on emergency exceptions or tenant-provided consent—not lease language alone—to justify access.

Keep the Property Monitored

If your property has outdoor lighting or shared spaces, use timers or motion sensors to give the appearance of occupancy. Walk exterior areas after major storms to check that debris hasn’t blocked drains or downspouts. If multiple units are vacant or traveling, it may be worth a quick on-site visit to ensure everything is secure.

The holidays should bring peace of mind, not worry. A little communication and preparation go a long way toward preventing problems while tenants are away. Encourage transparency, perform timely inspections, and remind residents of their role in maintaining a safe, dry, and healthy home—even when they’re not there to enjoy it.