What goes wrong in an empty unit

In an empty rental, nothing moves. Drain traps dry out in Denver's dry winter air and let sewer gas in. A fridge left closed and off grows mildew. A small drip under a sink or behind a toilet runs for weeks without anyone seeing it. Towels left damp in a hamper sour. Heat set too low can let pipes near exterior walls freeze during a cold snap.

None of these is expensive to prevent. The cost comes when a guest arrives to the result, or when a slow leak has time to soak a floor.

Closing up for the quiet stretch

  • Wash and fully dry all linens and towels; store them in a closed closet or bins.
  • Empty and clean the fridge; either leave it running or turn it off with the doors propped open.
  • Empty every trash and recycling bin and wash them out.
  • Run the dishwasher and washer empty, then leave their doors slightly open to dry.
  • Set the thermostat to a safe minimum in winter, not off.
  • Decide whether to close the main water valve; if you do, plan to run the drains on each visit anyway.
  • Close blinds against strong sun to protect fabrics and keep temperatures even.

Visit schedule during the gap

Every 1 to 2 weeks
Run every drain and flush every toilet, look under sinks and around the water heater, check the thermostat.
After a hard freeze
Check faucets on exterior walls run normally and look for water in the garage and lower level.
After heavy rain or snowmelt
Check lower-level rooms and the garage for dampness.
Two days before reopening
Air out, replace the HVAC filter if due, remake beds and do a closed-up smell check.

Common questions

Is it better to shut off the water entirely?

It removes most leak risk, but drains still dry out, and you must remember to turn it on and check for drips before guests return. Many hosts close it for long gaps and rely on sensors for short ones.

What thermostat setting is safe in winter?

Many hosts keep it in the mid-fifties Fahrenheit. Lower settings save little and raise the risk of frozen pipes along exterior walls.

General information for LoHi, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.