Vacation-Proof Your Rental: Keeping Your Home Safe While You're Away

There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of an upcoming vacation, but while you’re off making memories, your rental home shouldn’t be left vulnerable. Whether you’re a tenant in a single-family or multi-family home, taking a few precautions can ensure your space stays secure while you're away. Here’s how to vacation-proof your rental so you can relax with peace of mind.

Let Your Property Manager Know

Start by informing your property management team of your travel plans, especially if you’ll be away for more than a few days. While you're not obligated to share your every move, a quick heads-up can be helpful in case of emergencies like plumbing issues, maintenance needs, or unexpected weather conditions. At REMAX Rental Advisors, we encourage open communication—keeping your manager in the loop is always a wise move.

Leave Lights On

A dark home night after night is a telltale sign that no one’s around. Consider setting timers for indoor lights, or using smart lighting apps that allow you to control lamps and bulbs remotely. Alternating which lights come on at certain times gives the appearance of an occupied home, helping to deter potential intruders.

Pause Deliveries and Mail

An overflowing mailbox or a pile of newspapers at the door screams “we’re not home.” Before you head out, pause or redirect mail delivery through Canada Post, and suspend newspaper services if applicable. If you expect packages, ask a trusted neighbour or family member to collect them for you—or opt to have them delivered to a pickup location.

Lock It Down

This one may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how easy it is to overlook. Before leaving, do a walkthrough and lock all windows and doors, even those on upper levels. Secure sliding doors with a rod or dowel in the track to prevent forced entry. Don’t forget the garage or storage lockers, especially if they contain valuable items.

Unplug Devices

Power down non-essential electronics to reduce energy consumption and protect your devices from power surges. Unplug items like TVs, gaming consoles, small kitchen appliances, and chargers. It’s a small step that can add up to big savings and reduce the risk of electrical issues while you’re away.

Avoid Oversharing Online

We all love to post vacation snaps in real time, but sharing your exact location while you're away can be risky. Try waiting until you return to share those sunset photos—your safety is more important than likes and comments.

Ask a Friend or Neighbour to Keep Watch

If you have a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member nearby, ask them to check in on your place occasionally. They can water plants, bring in the mail, or just keep an eye out for anything suspicious. If you’re comfortable, provide them with an emergency contact number in case something urgent comes up.

Be Mindful of Temperature

Alberta weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer months. Set your thermostat to a moderate temperature—cool enough to prevent humidity and heat damage, but efficient enough to save energy. If your home has a smart thermostat, you can monitor and adjust it remotely if needed.

Secure Valuables

Even with all the right precautions, it’s smart to store important documents, jewelry, and other valuables in a safe place—ideally in a locked cabinet or safe. If you don’t have a safe, consider hiding items in less obvious places, like within storage bins or discreet boxes. For added peace of mind, you might also want to photograph valuable items and store those images digitally, just in case you need them for insurance purposes.

Your vacation should be a time to unwind—not worry about what’s happening back home. By taking a few simple steps to secure your rental, you can head out the door knowing your space is protected. At REMAX Rental Advisors, we’re here to support our tenants and help ensure peace of mind, whether you’re home or away.