Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 · Reviewed September 28, 2026
Vacant-home action checklist for Bainbridge Island.
This source-backed checklist separates immediate property protection from the decision to hold, repair, rent, list, or explore a direct sale. Assign each task, record the answer, and use policy-specific and professional guidance for the actual home.
1. Insurer Notification and Vacancy Clause
Policies vary. Every item in this section must be confirmed with your specific insurer: this checklist cannot tell you what your policy covers.
- Contact your homeowner's insurer immediately to notify them the property is vacant or will be vacant
- Ask how the policy defines vacant and unoccupied, when any definition applies, and what notice is required
- Ask what exclusions, limits, inspection duties, and claim conditions change with occupancy status
- Ask what endorsement or policy options are available if the current coverage is not appropriate
- Request written confirmation of the coverage and owner duties that apply to this property
- Washington homeowners: the Office of the Insurance Commissioner explains how home insurance works: insurance.wa.gov/insurance-resources/home-insurance/how-home-insurance-works/learn-how-home-insurance-works
- If the property is mortgaged: confirm whether your lender requires notification of vacancy
- Set a calendar reminder to re-confirm coverage before the insurer's stated vacancy or occupancy-change threshold
2. Water, Leak, and Moisture Risk
Use the home's actual condition, season, insurer requirements, and qualified provider guidance. Washington's insurance regulator explains that sudden leaks and gradual damage or mold may be treated differently under a policy.
- Ask a licensed plumber and the insurer whether the water should remain on, be shut off, or be professionally winterized
- Ask a qualified provider how the water heater and connected systems should be managed
- Record the main shutoff location and any system instructions for the local contact
- Inspect all visible plumbing for existing drips or slow leaks before vacating
- Check the roof and attic for signs of water intrusion: staining, soft spots, daylight
- Check the crawl space or basement for moisture, standing water, or mold signs
- Clear gutters and confirm downspouts direct water away from the foundation
- Ask a qualified provider whether ventilation, humidity monitoring, or dehumidification is appropriate
3. Heating and Freeze Protection
- Consult a licensed plumber about appropriate minimum heating levels to protect your specific pipe configuration during cold snaps
- Confirm the heating system is working reliably before leaving for an extended absence
- Schedule a heating system service if it hasn't been inspected recently
- Know where the main water shutoff is; document the location for anyone checking on the property
- If professional winterization is recommended, record who performs it and how the system will be restored
- Have a qualified provider evaluate exposed or vulnerable pipe runs before selecting protection
4. Electrical and Fire Safety
- Unplug all non-essential appliances to reduce fire risk and phantom power consumption
- Confirm smoke detectors are installed, tested, and have fresh batteries
- Confirm CO detectors are installed and functional if gas appliances or attached garage are present
- Do not leave extension cords or power strips in use while unoccupied
- Check electrical panel for tripped breakers or known issues
- Exterior lights on a timer or motion sensor reduce the appearance of vacancy
5. Exterior, Drainage, and Vegetation
- Clear gutters of debris: Pacific Northwest tree debris accumulates quickly and causes rot
- Confirm downspouts extend away from the foundation; add extensions if needed
- Inspect the roof for missing shingles, moss growth, or damaged flashing
- Trim vegetation away from the structure: moisture trap and fire hazard
- Secure any exterior structures: outbuildings, gates, loose fencing, decks
- Confirm driveway and paths are clear enough for emergency access
6. Mail and Visible Security
- Set up USPS mail forwarding or arrange for a local contact to collect mail regularly
- Place a hold on newspaper delivery and package deliveries: uncollected items signal vacancy
- Use timed interior lights to simulate occupancy; vary patterns if possible
- Maintain the exterior to avoid the visible-neglect cues that signal a vacant home
- Consider a no-soliciting or property-management notice on the door if appropriate
- Review Bainbridge Police Vacation House Check eligibility; listed vacant homes are currently excluded
7. Trusted Local Access
- Identify a trusted person on Bainbridge Island to check the property regularly
- Provide them with a key and emergency contact numbers (insurer, plumber, your contact)
- Set the check schedule using insurer requirements, system condition, weather exposure, alarms, and vendor guidance
- Give them your insurer's emergency claim line for water or fire emergencies
- Document who has key access and under what circumstances
- If using a property management company: confirm they cover Bainbridge Island and understand the ferry logistics
8. Contractor and Documentation Records
- Keep records of all work done on the property while vacant
- Photograph before and after for any repairs or maintenance work
- Note contractor names, license numbers, and contact info: useful for future sale disclosure
- Retain receipts and ask a qualified tax professional which costs and records matter for the eventual sale
- Note permit status for any work that requires a permit; unpermitted work requires disclosure
9. Monthly Carrying-Cost Tracking
Track these monthly. The total becomes an important input when comparing sale paths: see the net-proceeds estimator at webuybainbridge.com/calculator.
- Property taxes (prorated monthly; semi-annual in Kitsap County)
- Homeowner's insurance (vacancy endorsement premium if applicable)
- Electricity and/or heating fuel
- Water / sewer / garbage (even minimal use)
- HOA dues if applicable
- Mortgage payment (principal, interest, any escrow)
- Caretaker or property management costs
- Routine maintenance and repairs
- Running monthly total: $________
10. Next Steps: Repair, Rent, List, or Sell Directly
- Calculate your current monthly carrying cost (from section 9)
- Estimate cost and time to prepare the property for a traditional listing
- Understand rental income potential vs. ongoing landlord obligations for this property on the island
- Request a comparative market analysis from a licensed real estate agent in 98110
- Request a direct purchase offer to understand the as-is option
- Compare net outcomes using the net-proceeds estimator: webuybainbridge.com/calculator
- Make a decision timeline: indefinite vacancy compounds costs and risk
- If selling: review the full home-sale documentation checklist: webuybainbridge.com/resources/home-sale-checklist
Official sources
Verify current terms and applicability with the responsible agency, insurer, or professional. Links reviewed September 28, 2026.
Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Home insurance
Open official sourcePolicy types, lender requirements, limits, exclusions, and coverage questions.
Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Leaks, water damage and mold
Open official sourceState guidance on sudden leaks, gradual damage, mold, maintenance, and policy review.
Bainbridge Island Police Department: Programs and services
Open official sourceCurrent Vacation House Check requirements and exclusions.
City of Bainbridge Island: Start or stop utilities
Open official sourceOfficial City entry point for municipal utility requests and contacts.
Kitsap County Treasurer: Property tax questions
Open official sourceCurrent property-tax payment, due-date, delinquency, and contact guidance.
Washington Legislature: Chapter 64.06 RCW
Open official sourceWashington seller-disclosure statutes, forms, timing, and exemptions.
Common questions from vacant-home owners
Does home insurance automatically stay the same when a property becomes vacant?
Do not assume that it does. Policy definitions, notice requirements, exclusions, limits, inspection duties, and lender requirements vary. Tell the insurer or licensed agent the actual occupancy status and ask for written confirmation of what remains covered and what must change.
What should I ask about water and freeze protection?
Ask the insurer and qualified plumbing or heating providers how the home's specific systems should be managed. The right plan depends on plumbing location, heating, water source, season, monitoring, and whether the water remains on. Record the shutoff location and any professional instructions for the local contact.
How often should someone check a vacant Bainbridge Island home?
There is no responsible universal schedule. Ask the insurer what the policy requires, then set a written schedule based on the property's systems, condition, weather exposure, alarms, access, and vendor guidance. Keep dated notes and photos from each visit.
Will Bainbridge Island Police perform vacation checks on a vacant house listed for sale?
The Police Department's current Vacation House Check page says an unoccupied property listed for sale or rent is not eligible. The program has additional conditions. Review the current City guidance and arrange an appropriate private local contact or service when the program does not apply.
Can an off-island owner coordinate a sale remotely?
Some communication, document review, access coordination, and signing may be handled remotely, but the available process depends on ownership authority, lender and title requirements, the sale path, and the title and escrow provider. Ask each provider which steps require physical presence, notarization, inspection, or original documents.
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