Thoughts on boarding up vacant houses?

[Eli Kim]

So my house just went vacant. My property manager gave me an option of boarding up my house while they find me another tenant. What are your guys thoughts on boarding up houses? Have you had any bad experiences with boarding and/or not boarding?

[Bill B.]

Sounds like a giant sign saying vacant house, come party here. Are they expecting a vacancy over 7-10 days? I would clarify with them how long they think it will take to find a new tenant and if it’s over 2 weeks ask if they are the only PM in town?

Just noticed you were in Detroit after I replied. Any chance this is a neighborhood that you wouldn’t feel safe visiting at night? Personally I would sell any property my PM suggested boarding up during vacancies. It sounds like maybe the neighbors see the moving truck and take advantage?