Vacant Property Cleaning

Empty property cleaning

Empty properties can present some of the biggest cleaning challenges. SafeGroup’s vacant property cleaning service is designed to overcome these challenges so premises can be made ready for re-use.

Void properties may contain biohazards, such as human waste, drugs paraphernalia and even dead animals. They can be infested by pests, such as mice, rats and pigeons.

Buildings that have been left empty for a long time can deteriorate or be vandalised, causing potentially dangerous structural problems or water, gas or electricity hazards.

Hazardous Items may have been left or illegally dumped in vacant properties, such as chemicals or equipment, that also pose specific risks, so must be handled with extreme care.

As an emergency soft FM specialist, SafeGroup has the expertise and experience to manage these risks, cleaning void properties to a high standard in compliance with health and safety regulations.

Who we work for

SafeGroup carried out vacant property cleaning for a wide range of clients, including social landlords, estate and letting agents, manufacturers, social service agencies, property developers and construction contractors.

We can clean a void property as a one-off project or as part of a contracted service, so you always have access to a fast and efficient empty property cleaning specialist when and where you need them, anywhere in the UK.

Related SafeGroup services

• Trauma and biohazard cleaning
• Commercial jet washing
• Wait and load waste removal
• Office clearance and relocation
• Construction waste removal

All types of vacant property cleaned

SafeGroup can provide a void and empty property cleaning and disinfection service no matter what kind of building of cleaning challenge is involved.

Vacant properties we clean include:

• Shops
• Pubs and restaurants
• Commercial offices
• Factories
• Houses and flats
• Warehouses
• Public and government buildings

Need a vacant property cleaning service?
Call 0800 668 1268

Squat cleaning

Our teams are regularly called in to clean commercial and residential buildings after they have been occupied by squatters.

This has to involve significant care. In some cases, water supplies are cut off which increases the risk of the presence of biohazards, including human faeces and urine. There may also be rotten food and gas cannisters used for cooking and heating.

Another key concern is hypodermic needles left by drug users. SafeGroup is highly experienced at carrying out sharps removals. Our teams sweep sites with great care, wearing the appropriate protective clothing, to find needles and other drug-related items and disposing of them safely.

Securing property against squatters

As part of our service we can help customers secure properties against further entry from squatters or intruders.

We can ensure all doorways and windows are secured, and boarded up if necessary. We can also improve or install appropriate fencing, reducing the risk of break-ins or vandalism.

Tips on securing an empty property:

• Install high quality window and door locks
• Make it look as if the property is occupied with timer controlled lights and radios
• Install an alarm and CCTV system that can be remotely monitored
• Secure the perimeter of the property with fencing
• Ask a neighbour to look out for suspicious activity
• Make regular visits to the property to check it is still secure
• If necessary, pay for a security patrol
• Ensure you have vacant property insurance cover

Cleaning after evictions

SafeGroup provides a service for social and private landlords to clean properties after the eviction of tenants. This may involve the safe and sensitive removal of furniture and other items.

In some cases, properties many have been deliberately damaged or sabotaged. These risks are accounted for in our risk assessment and method statement (RAMS). Our cleaning teams are always alert to them as they carry out the work.

We are also experienced at handling property clearances sensitively, especially if a person who has been evicted, or their neighbours and friends, are present and may be upset by the action taken.

Empty property and pests

Void buildings are more susceptible to certain pests, including mice, rats and pigeons. They carry pathogens that are potentially harmful to humans. Pigeon guano is a slip hazard as well as a biohazard. Pest activity can also significantly damage building fabric.

SafeGroup’s pest solutions team support our specialist cleaners in dealing with pests in vacant properties quickly legally, including installing pest proofing measures. This will ensure your property is protected against further pest problems.