Our Residential Void
Property Services
At Legacy Property Services, we understand the importance of protecting vacant and unoccupied properties from the risks associated with unauthorised access, vandalism, theft and property damage. Our professional Vacant Property Boarding & Lock Change Services provide practical security solutions designed to help safeguard empty buildings, secure vulnerable access points and maintain appropriate property security throughout periods of vacancy.
When a property becomes unoccupied, damaged windows, unsecured doors, lost keys or outdated access arrangements can leave the building vulnerable. Without appropriate security measures, these issues may increase the risk of unauthorised entry, further damage and unnecessary expense.
We take a thorough, methodical approach to every property, assessing the relevant security requirements and arranging appropriate boarding, lock replacement or associated security works. Whether a property is undergoing probate, awaiting sale, standing empty between tenancies or being managed on behalf of a vulnerable client, our service helps ensure that important security precautions are undertaken professionally and responsibly.
Detailed Photographic Records
Clear and Structured Reports
Support Throughout
Professional and Reliable Service
What Is a Vacant Property Boarding & Lock Change Service?
A Vacant Property Boarding & Lock Change Service involves securing vulnerable openings and managing access to empty or unoccupied buildings through appropriate boarding, lock replacement and associated security measures.
Vacant properties can be particularly vulnerable to unauthorised access, vandalism and deterioration, especially where doors or windows have been damaged or previous occupants may still hold keys.
Property boarding provides a practical way of temporarily securing damaged or exposed windows, doors and other suitable openings, helping reduce the risk of further unauthorised entry and exposure to the elements while permanent repairs are arranged.
Lock changes and replacements help establish appropriate access arrangements when a property becomes vacant, changes ownership or requires additional security following an incident.
Our service can include temporary window and door boarding, lock changes, replacement locks, suitable lock repairs and related security work, depending on the property's condition and agreed requirements.
Professional boarding and lock changes can also form part of a wider vacant property management programme, supporting property owners and professional representatives in maintaining security while buildings remain unoccupied.
Our approach provides a practical and dependable solution for protecting vacant properties, helping clients manage security concerns and maintain greater control over access to buildings under their responsibility.
The Legacy Property Services Difference
At Legacy Property Services, we believe securing a vacant property is about more than simply boarding a window or changing a lock.
It's about recognising potential vulnerabilities, taking appropriate preventative action and ensuring that properties remain protected and responsibly managed throughout periods of vacancy.
We pride ourselves on delivering professional, reliable and practical property security services, with a commitment to clear communication, attention to detail and understanding the individual circumstances of each client.
We recognise that vacant properties can have very different requirements. Some may only need a straightforward lock change following a tenancy, while others may require temporary boarding, replacement locks and additional security precautions following damage or an attempted break-in.
Our approach is tailored to the property's condition, the security concerns identified and the specific instructions provided.
We also understand the additional responsibilities involved in managing probate estates, Court of Protection properties and buildings overseen by professional representatives, where dependable attendance and appropriate documentation are particularly important.
Alongside our Vacant Property Boarding & Lock Change Services, we also provide Void Property Inspections, Water Isolation & Drain-Down Services, Vacant Property Garden Maintenance, Domestic Cleaning Services and other practical property support.
This allows clients to benefit from a more coordinated approach to vacant property management, helping ensure that security, maintenance and ongoing property oversight can be considered together.
Whether you're a solicitor overseeing an estate, a deputy managing a client's property, a landlord securing an empty rental or a property manager responsible for vacant buildings, our service is designed to make protecting and securing unoccupied properties as straightforward and well-documented as possible.
Our Vacant Property Boarding & Lock Change Process
Step 1 – Property Assessment and Security Requirements
We begin by discussing the property and establishing the security work required. Whether a property has recently become vacant, experienced damage or requires new access arrangements, we consider its circumstances, existing security measures and any specific concerns identified by the client.
We establish the appropriate authority for the requested work and consider the condition of accessible doors, windows, locks and other relevant entry points. Where specific insurance or property management requirements apply, these can also be considered when determining the appropriate scope of work.
Our aim is to establish a clear understanding of the property's security requirements before any work begins, ensuring that the proposed measures are suitable for its circumstances.
Step 2 – Inspection of Doors, Windows and Access Points
Following attendance, we assess the relevant accessible doors, windows and entry points to identify areas requiring attention. We look for visible signs of damage, defective locks, broken glazing, compromised doors and other concerns that may affect the security of the property.
Particular attention is given to vulnerable openings that could allow unauthorised entry or expose the building to further damage. Where a property has experienced vandalism, attempted entry or storm damage, we assess the affected areas to establish appropriate temporary security measures.
Any additional concerns identified during attendance can be documented and communicated, allowing clients to consider whether further repairs or specialist works are required.
Step 3 – Vacant Property Boarding
Where boarding is required, suitable materials and methods are used to secure agreed vulnerable openings, subject to the condition and construction of the property. This may include boarding damaged windows, securing exposed door openings or protecting areas affected by break-ins, vandalism, accidental damage or severe weather.
Boarding can provide an important temporary measure while permanent glazing, door replacement or other remedial works are being arranged. We take care to consider the existing building fabric, accessibility and the intended duration of the boarding, helping ensure that the chosen solution is appropriate to the property's circumstances.
Where additional structural repairs, specialist access or other security measures are necessary, these requirements can be identified and considered separately.
Our objective is to help reduce the immediate risks associated with exposed openings and support the continued protection of the vacant property.
Step 4 – Lock Changes and Replacement
Changing locks can be an important precaution when a property becomes vacant, particularly where keys may have been lost, previous occupants retain copies or existing locks are damaged or unsuitable.
Our lock change service helps clients establish new access arrangements and maintain appropriate security over the property. Depending on the existing hardware and agreed requirements, this may include replacing suitable door locks, changing lock cylinders or arranging repairs to defective locking mechanisms. Particular consideration is given to properties becoming vacant following a tenancy, properties undergoing probate and buildings requiring new access arrangements following a change in responsibility.
Where specialist locking systems or more complex repairs are required, appropriate arrangements can be discussed.
Our aim is to help ensure that authorised individuals can access the property while reducing the risk associated with uncontrolled or outdated key access.
Step 5 – Security Checks and Access Arrangements
Following the agreed boarding or locksmith works, we undertake relevant checks of the completed work and accessible security arrangements.
This can include confirming that replacement locks operate appropriately, checking that agreed openings have been secured and identifying any outstanding concerns affecting the property's security.
Where new keys have been provided, these can be recorded and handed over in accordance with the client's agreed instructions. We understand that access management can be particularly important where several parties require entry to a vacant property, including solicitors, estate agents, surveyors, maintenance contractors and professional deputies.
Establishing clear arrangements helps reduce confusion and supports the responsible management of access throughout the period of vacancy.
Any remaining issues requiring attention are communicated so that appropriate further action can be considered.
Step 6 – Photographic Evidence and Completion Reporting
Following completion of the agreed work, relevant details can be documented to provide a clear record of the security measures undertaken. This may include photographs of boarded openings, replacement locks and other areas where work has been completed.
Our completion records can identify the date of attendance, the work undertaken and any visible concerns or outstanding requirements.
This documentation can be particularly useful for solicitors, executors, Court of Protection deputies and property managers who require evidence of completed work without attending the property themselves.
Where additional security, maintenance or permanent repairs are recommended, these can be highlighted to assist with the next stage of property management.
Our aim is to provide a professional and well-documented service that helps clients remain informed and confident about the security measures undertaken at their property.
Why Are Professional Vacant Property Boarding & Lock Change Services Important?
For Solicitors and Estate Executors
When managing a vacant property as part of probate or estate administration, protecting the security of the building and its contents can be an important responsibility.Properties may remain empty for extended periods, while existing keys and access arrangements may be uncertain.
Our boarding and lock change services help solicitors and executors arrange appropriate security precautions, secure vulnerable access points and maintain greater control over access during the administration of an estate.
For Court of Protection Deputies
Where a client's property becomes vacant following a move into residential care or other changes in circumstances, maintaining its security can form an important part of protecting the client's assets and interests.
Our service provides practical support with securing doors, windows and access points, helping deputies arrange appropriate security measures without needing to attend the property personally. We recognise the importance of discretion, clear communication and responsible property oversight when supporting properties managed under Court of Protection arrangements.
For Landlords and Letting Agents
Rental properties standing empty between tenancies, awaiting refurbishment or being prepared for new occupants may require additional security measures.Locks may need replacing following a tenancy, keys may be missing or damaged doors and windows may require temporary securing before further works can take place.
Our vacant property boarding and lock change services help landlords and letting agents manage these requirements, supporting property security and preparation for future occupation.
For Property Managers and Housing Providers
Managing multiple vacant properties can involve coordinating security arrangements across different buildings, particularly where properties require repairs, refurbishment or ongoing maintenance.
Our services provide practical support with temporary boarding, lock replacement and access management, helping property managers and housing providers address security concerns as part of wider void property programmes.
Where appropriate, security work can also be coordinated alongside inspections, maintenance and other property preparation services.
For Vacant Property Insurance Requirements
Some insurance policies contain specific security conditions when a property becomes vacant or unoccupied.
These may include requirements relating to locks, security arrangements, damaged openings or additional precautions following an incident.
Our boarding and lock change services can help clients implement and document agreed security measures.
As policy conditions vary, property owners should always confirm their specific requirements with their insurer or broker. Boarding or replacing locks does not automatically guarantee insurance compliance, continued cover or acceptance of a claim.
Residential Void Property Services in Devon & Surrounding Areas
Partnerships
Locks & Boarding
A protected property is a safe property
Coverage
Areas
Exeter • Torquay • Newton Abbot • Plymouth • Totnes • South Hams • East Devon • Yelverton • Bishopsteignton • Ogwell • Stokeinteignhead • Starcross • Dartmouth • Sidmouth
Secure Your Vacant Property with Confidence
Help protect your vacant or unoccupied property from unauthorised access, vandalism and further damage with professional Boarding & Lock Change Services from Legacy Property Services.
Whether you require temporary window or door boarding, replacement locks, improved access arrangements or assistance securing a property following damage, our team is here to help.
Contact Legacy Property Services today to arrange a Vacant Property Boarding or Lock Change Service or to discuss your individual property security requirements.
