What's your opinion of this to deter vandalism of a vacant property?

[Lilac Farm]

I suppose you've already checked with your insurance company about having renters?
Actually the best deterrent against vandals entering the home might be getting a renter with one or more really big, irritable dogs...that won't be there during showings!

[LongtimeBravesFan]

Originally Posted by mistygrl092

Live in a nice house for dirt cheap?

Yes, the rent would be cheap. But they'd also have to keep the house in top condition at all times, which would involve daily housework and regular work in the yard. Plus they'd still have to work their normal job and I'd imagine an arrangement like this would deter them from entertaining. And they still have to pay to live there. Then they'd have to go somewhere during showings (a pain) and where do they go once the place sells?

I'm not sure what kind of person you'd find for that position.

As for banning children, I guess if you say you only want one person living there, that would get around that.

[Barking Spider]

I have run into this a few times doing home inspections. Each time it has been a single older lady living in the house.
One house it was obvious the furniture was the owners. In another, the house was mostly vacant with just a few pieces of furniture.
I talked to one woman at length about her arrangement. It seems like a good set up for her and the sellers. She was happy, and they had someone living in their house.

[manderly6]

Originally Posted by LongtimeBravesFan

Yes, the rent would be cheap. But they'd also have to keep the house in top condition at all times, which would involve daily housework and regular work in the yard. Plus they'd still have to work their normal job and I'd imagine an arrangement like this would deter them from entertaining. And they still have to pay to live there. Then they'd have to go somewhere during showings (a pain) and where do they go once the place sells?

I'm not sure what kind of person you'd find for that position.

As for banning children, I guess if you say you only want one person living there, that would get around that.

There is at least one company that specializes in this. Years ago (before we had kids) and we were looking to rent in a new place and we considered doing this. Honestly I don't remember all the details, but if someone is looking to save some money it isn't a terrible choice. I remember they wanted pictures of all our furniture to make sure it was up to their standards. I think the main reason we didn't do this was because at that time there wasn't a place available that we wanted to live in.

I do remember asking what happens when that house sells. They said the first option would be to move us to another house where they needed people. I think they would also pay for the moving.