How to Protect a Vacant Probate Home in California
An empty home can be the highest-risk asset in a California estate. Executors and administrators have a duty to protect and preserve probate property.
Protect the home in four phases
- First 48–72 hours: change exterior locks, photograph every room, remove cash, jewelry, firearms, and documents, and forward mail.
- Insurance: standard homeowners policies can restrict vacancy coverage after 30–60 days. Tell the carrier and ask about vacant-dwelling coverage.
- Ongoing preservation: keep appropriate utilities on, pay mortgage, taxes and HOA from the estate account, maintain landscaping, and deter trespassers.
- Valuation and sale: schedule the Probate Referee appraisal and confirm whether the personal representative has Full or Limited Authority.
For help preparing a Los Angeles probate home for sale, call Eric Baskett at (310) 807-6879. This page is general educational information, not legal advice.