Leaving your Bloomfield Hills home empty for a few weeks or the whole winter can feel risky. Between cold snaps, snow, and municipal expectations, you want to avoid fines, damage, and unnecessary stress. This guide gives you a simple, local plan to protect curb appeal, prevent interior issues, and keep your property secure while you are away. You will find checklists you can hand to a caretaker and a timeline that fits your absence. Let’s dive in.
Know the local rules first
Before you set timers or hire services, confirm what Bloomfield Hills expects from vacant property owners. The city enforces property-maintenance and nuisance standards through its Building and Code Enforcement functions. These commonly cover grass and weeds, exterior upkeep, debris, and sometimes sidewalk snow and ice. Check the City of Bloomfield Hills municipal code or call the Building or Code department to confirm the exact rules and penalties.
Ask the Bloomfield Hills Police Department about any vacation check program or recommended procedures for vacant homes. Many small cities offer non-emergency patrol checks if you register your absence and provide a local contact. If your neighborhood has an HOA or deed restrictions, review those rules as well because they may be stricter than city code.
If your home uses a private well or septic system, follow guidance from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and Oakland County resources. Local inspectors will expect that vacant properties remain free of obvious hazards. Finally, notify your insurance carrier about extended vacancy and ask if they require a certain temperature setting or inspection frequency to keep coverage intact.
Secure the property before you go
A layered approach works best. Combine physical security with simple administrative steps so your home looks lived in and stays protected.
Pre-leave security checklist
- Register or notify as needed. Confirm whether the city requires vacant-property registration and ask police about vacation checks. Provide a local emergency contact who can respond quickly.
- Hold mail and deliveries. Use USPS Hold Mail and pause packages and newspapers. Nothing signals vacancy like a pile of deliveries.
- Alarm and cameras. Activate your alarm, update contact lists, and enable remote-access cameras. Test notifications before you leave.
- Locks and access. Rekey if ownership recently changed and secure all exterior doors, garage doors, and sheds. Consider smart locks so you can update codes for contractors or caretakers.
- Lighting plans. Program interior and exterior lights on varied schedules. Avoid predictable patterns that always turn on at the same time.
- Protect valuables and paperwork. Remove small valuables and store key documents off site in a safe deposit box or with a trusted contact.
- Label shut-offs. Clearly label main water, gas, and electrical shut-offs. Share instructions with your local contact.
While you are away
- Local caretaker or property manager. Designate someone nearby and give written authority for emergency repairs within a set budget.
- Police or private checks. Schedule periodic checks through local police if available or arrange private patrols. Adjust frequency if there are weather events.
- Neighbor awareness. Let a trusted neighbor know your plans. Ask them to report open doors, unusual vehicles, or lights that seem off schedule.
- Perimeter visibility. Keep shrubs trimmed to maintain sightlines to doors and windows. Use motion-activated lighting and remove ladders or tools that could help trespassers.
Be ready for incidents
- Emergency contacts. Post a list in a visible spot with the police non-emergency line, your insurer, utility providers, and preferred contractors.
- Photos and inventory. Keep dated photos of the interior and exterior plus a simple inventory for insurance purposes.
Keep curb appeal and stay compliant
Well-kept exteriors deter trespass and help you avoid complaints or violations. Build a year-round plan and add seasonal tasks.
Year-round basics
- Lawn and debris. Arrange mowing and routine cleanups. Many cities set a maximum grass height, so confirm Bloomfield Hills standards and any HOA rules.
- Trash and recycling. Suspend service or make sure bins go out and come back on schedule. Overflowing bins draw pests and attention.
- Driveway and vehicles. Keep the driveway clear. Avoid long-term vehicle storage if your HOA or city prohibits it.
- Signs. Remove contractor or temporary signs quickly so the home does not look unattended.
Spring and summer
- Routine mowing. Schedule weekly or biweekly mowing and edging based on growth.
- Irrigation. After the last frost, test zones, repair heads, and set a watering schedule that prevents drought stress.
- Pest watch. Arrange periodic inspections for rodents, carpenter ants, and wasp nests.
Fall prep
- Leaf removal. Clear leaves so they do not smother the lawn or block gutters and curb drains.
- Pruning. Trim dead or risky limbs and schedule arborist work before winter storms.
- Irrigation winterization. Blow out or drain irrigation lines to prevent freeze damage.
Winter in southeast Michigan
- Snow removal. Confirm Bloomfield Hills’ timeline for clearing sidewalks and arrange a reliable contractor. Provide written instructions to your caretaker.
- De-icing. Stock plant and pet friendly de-icers and specify their use to avoid surface damage.
- Tree and limb monitoring. Plan for prompt removal if branches come down during storms.
Utilities and winterization made simple
In our climate, winter risks include frozen pipes, ice dams, power outages, and sump pump failures. Set your utility plan based on how long you will be away and the season.
Water and plumbing
- Short trips in winter. If you will be away only weeks, keep water on for heating systems or humidification and set the thermostat to at least 55°F.
- Longer winter absences. Consider shutting off the main water and draining lines. Flush toilets, open faucets to drain, and follow your water heater’s guidance if you plan to drain it.
- Irrigation and sprinklers. Hire a licensed contractor to blow out outdoor lines before freezing temperatures.
- Sump pump protection. Keep the pump powered, add a battery backup, and install a monitored alarm or float switch that can alert you if it fails.
- Private wells. Follow state guidance for winter care and ensure the well housing is insulated and accessible to your caretaker.
Heating and HVAC
- Maintain heat. Set the thermostat to 55°F or higher, or follow your insurer’s minimum. Check that heat reaches vulnerable areas like pipes near exterior walls.
- Service and filters. Replace filters and schedule a furnace check before winter. Leave simple instructions for your caretaker.
- Outage backup. If outages are common, consider a transfer switch and a tested portable or standby generator.
Electrical and gas
- Gas appliances. Follow the manufacturer’s and utility provider’s guidance on pilots and shutoffs. If you plan to turn off gas, coordinate with your utility for safe disconnection and reconnection.
- Electrical panel. Label breakers clearly and list critical circuits. Limit access to the main panel.
- Power status alerts. Use smart systems that notify you if the power or internet goes down so you can start your backup plan.
Humidity, mold, and pests
- Climate control. Keep indoor humidity low. Run a dehumidifier in basements or crawlspaces and have someone empty it or connect it to a drain if possible.
- Appliances. Unplug nonessential electronics. If you empty and unplug the refrigerator for a long vacancy, leave the doors ajar to prevent odors and mold.
- Food and waste. Remove all perishables and trash before you go.
- Rodent proofing. Seal gaps around pipes and vents and consider preventative pest control.
Internet and monitoring
- Connectivity. Keep minimal internet service active to support security cameras, smart thermostats, and leak or freeze sensors.
- Access. Provide your caretaker with instructions for resets or router power cycles in case devices go offline.
Set an inspection schedule that works
Regular eyes on the property are your best defense against small issues becoming big ones. Align frequency with your absence length and the season.
Suggested cadence
- Short absences of 1 to 3 weeks. Aim for weekly in-person checks or a trusted neighbor to confirm mail holds and basic systems.
- Medium absences of 3 to 12 weeks. Plan biweekly checks by a caretaker or property manager. Increase to weekly during severe weather.
- Long absences over 3 months. Weekly in-person checks are best. If you cannot manage that, hire a licensed property manager to visit every 3 to 7 days.
What to check during each visit
- Exterior. Confirm doors and windows are locked, note any siding damage, check rooflines for visible issues, clear branches, and look for standing water.
- Winter safety. Remove snow or ice from steps and sidewalks per local rules. Verify exterior lighting works.
- Interior. Check temperature and humidity. Look for leaks near sinks, toilets, water heaters, and in the basement. Verify the sump pump runs.
- Utilities and services. Confirm trash and recycling routines, ensure irrigation is off during freezing weather, and look for delivered packages.
- Documentation. Take dated photos and send a brief email report. Keep receipts for any repairs.
Insurance and documentation
Notify your insurance carrier about vacancy, confirm any required inspection cadence, and save proof of maintenance. Good records can prevent claim issues and help if you need to appeal a city notice.
Create an emergency plan
Give your caretaker a simple one-page plan that includes:
- Local emergency contact information and authority to approve repairs up to a set dollar amount
- Utility shut-off locations with instructions
- Preferred contractors, plus your insurance agent and policy number
- Alarm codes, key locations, and access instructions
Quick action plan
Before you leave:
- Confirm Bloomfield Hills vacancy, snow, and maintenance rules
- Arrange USPS mail hold and pause deliveries
- Rekey if needed, set alarms and cameras, and program lights
- Service the furnace and test the sump pump; winterize irrigation
- Label shut-offs and give your caretaker written authority and contacts
- Notify your insurer of the vacancy and follow any requirements
While you are away:
- Maintain weekly to biweekly inspections based on season and trip length
- Keep lawn, leaves, and snow removal on contract
- Monitor indoor temperature, humidity, and power status remotely
- Save inspection reports and contractor invoices
When you return:
- Walk the exterior and interior for damage or leaks
- Test utilities and HVAC, then reset thermostats and schedules
- Check for pests or mold and address promptly
- Review any municipal notices and update your maintenance plan
Local support when selling or renting
If your vacant home is a stepping stone to your next move, you do not have to navigate it alone. You can lean on neighborhood-focused guidance to prep for listing or renting, coordinate trusted local vendors, and time your sale with the market. When you are ready to talk strategy for Bloomfield Hills and nearby Oakland County communities, reach out.
Ready for a simple plan tailored to your address and timeline? Contact Unknown Company for a free neighborhood consultation.
FAQs
What temperature should I set in a vacant Bloomfield Hills home during winter?
- Most owners set at least 55°F to reduce freeze risk. Confirm with your insurer, since some policies require a minimum temperature to keep coverage intact.
Do I need to register my vacant property with the City of Bloomfield Hills?
- Some cities require vacant-property registration. Call the City’s Building or Code Enforcement department to confirm whether Bloomfield Hills has this requirement and what contact information you must provide.
How often should someone check a vacant home in winter in Oakland County?
- Weekly checks are best in winter. For shorter absences, biweekly may work if weather is mild, but increase frequency during storms or cold snaps.
Should I shut off the water while my Bloomfield Hills home is vacant?
- For short trips, keep water on and maintain heat. For longer winter vacancies, consider shutting off the main and draining lines. Keep the sump pump powered with a backup and alarm.
What are the snow and ice removal expectations for sidewalks?
- Many Michigan cities require owners to clear sidewalks within a set timeframe after snowfall. Verify Bloomfield Hills’ specific deadline and hire a contractor if you will be away.
What documentation should I keep while my home is vacant?
- Save dated inspection photos and written reports, plus receipts for maintenance and repairs. Keep a contact list and your insurance details in one place for caretakers.
