The Ultimate Home Security Checklist  for Holiday Homes

The Ultimate Home Security Checklist  for Holiday Homes

Owning a holiday home offers a wonderful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it's a coastal cottage, a countryside retreat or a lakeside cabin, your second home is a place to relax, recharge and create lasting memories. But once the summer fun ends and you lock up your second home for the off-season, one question always lingers in the back of your mind: is it truly safe?  

We know that unoccupied homes can be more vulnerable to unexpected incidents, making it important to stay connected to your property even when you're miles away. So, here are some practical holiday home security tips to better prepare you for your next seasonal close-down.

1. Start with a Full Security Walkaround 

Before you think about smart technology or upgrades, take a slow walk around the property and look at it as a potential intruder might. Holiday homes can be more vulnerable because they are often empty for long periods, have predictable times or usage seasons or sit in quiet locations. 

Check for: 

  • Doors or windows that are easy to reach from the street, garden or flat roof 
  • Side gates, sheds, garages and outbuildings that are not properly secured 
  • Poorly lit entrances or hidden corners 
  • Overgrown hedges that block natural visibility 
  • Signs the property is unoccupied, such as piled-up post or bins left out 

Make notes as you go to help you decide what needs fixing or addressing first before you leave. 

2. Secure Every Entry Point, not just the Front Door

Burglars often look for the easiest way in, which is not always the main entrance. Back doors, patio doors, French doors, basement windows and utility room doors all deserve the same attention. 

For stronger everyday protection: 

  • Make sure all external doors close properly and lock smoothly 

  • Check that window locks are working and easy to use 

  • Reinforce weak or ageing door hardware where needed 

  • Keep keys out of locks and away from letterboxes or cat flaps 

  • Do not leave spare keys under plant pots, mats or garden ornaments 

If you host guests, make locking instructions clear and simple. A guest should know exactly which doors and windows to secure when they leave, without needing to guess. 

3. Use Smart Locks to Manage Guest Access  

If you rent out your holiday home or regularly welcome guests, cleaners or maintenance providers, managing access can quickly become a challenge.

The Yale Linus® L2 and Linus® L2 Lite smart locks offer a convenient keyless solution. Instead of leaving spare keys under a mat or arranging in-person handovers, you can grant access remotely through the Yale Home app. 

4. Make the Property Look Occupied

 An empty-looking home is more appealing to opportunists. A few small measures can help your holiday home look cared for and lived in, even when nobody is staying there. 

Try: 

  • Using smart lighting or timer switches in key rooms 

  • Asking a trusted neighbour to bring post indoors 

  • Arranging regular garden maintenance 

  • Keeping bins in the right place between collections 

  • Using curtains, blinds or shutters thoughtfully so the property does not look abandoned 

You should also avoid making it obvious online that the home is empty for long periods.If you’re promoting your holiday let, we’d really recommend keeping your listings polished and professional, while being careful not to share any unnecessary details about security arrangements. It helps keep things trustworthy, safe, and attractive to guests. 

5. Install Visible Deterrents

 

Visible security can make potential intruders think twice. Things like cameras, alarms, motion-activated lights, and solid locks all work together to send a clear message that the property is protected and being watched. 

Useful deterrents include: 

  • Motion sensor lighting near doors, gates and parking areas 

  • Secure gates, fences and boundary locks 

  • Window stickers or signage where appropriate 

For holiday homes, visibility matters. If the property is remote or only visited occasionally, these deterrents can help create the impression of active protection even when you are not nearby.

6. Keep valuables out of sight

Holiday homes often include a range of everyday items, like TVs, speakers, bikes, outdoor equipment, and kitchen appliances. And even when individual items aren’t particularly high-value, leaving them clearly visible can still draw unwanted attention. 

Make it part of your home safety checklist to: 

  • Close blinds or curtains in rooms with visible electronics 

  • Store bikes, paddleboards, tools and garden equipment securely 

  • Avoid leaving car keys, wallets or devices near doors or windows 

  • Use lockable storage for owner items if guests use the property 

And if you rent out your holiday home, try to keep personal documents, spare cards and irreplaceable items off-site where possible. 

7. Protect Sheds, Garages and Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor areas are easy to overlook, but they often contain tools that could be used to force entry. Ladders, spades, hammers and screwdrivers should not be left unsecured. 

Check that: 

  • Ladders are locked away or chained securely 

  • Tools are stored out of sight 

  • Side gates are locked when the property is empty 

  • Outdoor furniture is secured during storms or long absences 

This is especially important for rural or coastal holiday homes where outbuildings may be separate from the main property and less visible to neighbours.

8. Set up Smart Monitoring for Peace of Mind

Smart security can help you keep an eye on your holiday home from wherever you are. With the right connected devices, you can receive alerts, check activity and respond more quickly if something needs attention. 

Options to consider include: 

Smart cameras for entrances and outdoor areas 

  • Adding smart cameras to your security setup gives you a real-time view of what's happening at your property, even when you're away. Yale's indoor and outdoor cameras provide Full HD live viewing and recording, helping you monitor entrances, driveways, gardens and other key areas around your holiday home. 
  • AI-powered human and pet detection helps deliver more relevant alerts and reduce unnecessary notifications, while customisable activity zones allow you to focus on the areas that matter most. 

Video doorbells for visitors and deliveries 

  • For even greater visibility, the Yale Smart Video Doorbell helps you stay connected to your front door from anywhere. Whether it's a visitor, a delivery or a neighbour stopping by, you'll receive real-time notifications, allowing you to see and respond through the app. 

Smart alarms for intrusion alerts 

  • With the Yale Smart Alarm, you'll be able to control and monitor your security system directly from your smartphone. This centralised approach means you can quickly check your property's status, receive notifications and manage your devices from virtually anywhere. 
  • For larger properties, Yale Smart Alarm systems are designed to provide extensive wireless coverage, helping deliver reliable protection throughout the home. 

Sensors for doors, windows or movement. 

  • The Yale Smart Alarm lets you add extra Door & Window Sensors and Motion Sensors to create protection tailored to your home. Monitor more entry points, and cover key rooms. 

Smart locks for access control 

  • Yale Smart Locks can grant temporary access to guests or service providers and be removed when it's no longer needed. You can also view activity logs to see when people enter and leave the property, helping you stay informed wherever you are. With no need for physical keys, managing your holiday home becomes simpler, more secure and more convenient. 
  • Choose technology that fits the way your property is actually used. If you’re not always on-site, remote alerts can be incredibly helpful. And if guests are staying regularly, it’s important to make sure any monitoring is suitable, clearly communicated, and designed with privacy in mind. 

9. Do Not Forget Fire, Carbon Monoxide and Water Safety

Security isn’t just about stopping break-ins. A safe holiday home also needs protection from everyday hazards, especially when the property may be left empty between visits. 

Add these checks to your routine: 

  • Test smoke alarms regularly 

  • Check carbon monoxide alarms where fuel-burning appliances are present 

  • Know where the stopcock is and label it clearly 

  • Turn off water when appropriate during long absences 

  • Unplug non-essential appliances before leaving 

  • Keep escape routes clear 

  • Store emergency contacts somewhere easy to find 

If guests use the property, provide simple instructions for heating, appliances, alarms and emergency procedures. Clear guidance helps to prevent most avoidable problems. 

10. Build a Changeover Checklist

A written checklist is one of the best ways to make sure nothing is missed. It is useful whether you manage the holiday home yourself or rely on a cleaner, neighbour or letting agency. 

Your changeover checklist could include: 

  • Lock all doors, windows, gates, sheds and garages 

  • Reset or update access codes when needed 

  • Check alarms and security devices are active 

  • Remove post and leaflets from the entrance 

  • Confirm outdoor lights are working 

  • Store valuables and owner items securely 

  • Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms 

  • Report any damage to locks, doors or windows immediately 

Keep the list short enough to use every time. A checklist only works if it is practical.

11. Work with Trusted Local Contacts

A reliable local contact can be invaluable when you are not close to the property. This may be a neighbour, cleaner, maintenance provider, managing agent or friend who can check the home after bad weather, guest stays or alarm alerts. 

Share only the access information they genuinely need and keep communication clear. If codes change, update them promptly. If a key is lost, treat it seriously and review whether locks or access settings should be changed. 

For extra reassurance, ask your local contact to look for signs such as: 

  • Damaged locks or handles 

  • Open windows 

  • Unusual marks near doors 

  • Missing outdoor items 

  • Water leaks or electrical issues 

  • Post or packages left outside 

Small checks can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.

12. Review Security Before Every Busy Season

Holiday homes often see more activity during school holidays, bank holidays and summer months. Before peak season starts, review your setup and make sure everything is working as it should. 

Ask yourself: 

  • Are all locks still secure and easy to use? 

  • Do guests have clear arrival and departure instructions? 

  • Are access codes up to date? 

  • Are cameras, alarms and sensors connected and charged if required? 

  • Are outdoor areas tidy and well lit? 

  • Has anything changed since the last visit? 

Security is not a one-time task. It works best when it becomes part of how you care for the property.

13. Enjoy Peace of Mind Wherever You Are

Your holiday home is more than just a property; it’s a place filled with memories, relaxation, and joy. Leaving it unprotected can lead to unnecessary risks. But by following this checklist and  investing in a smart security solution that combines alarms, cameras, smart locks and video doorbells, you can stay connected to your property throughout the year and help protect it when you're away. 

So the next time you lock the door behind you after a summer getaway, you can leave with confidence knowing that Yale's smart security ecosystem is helping you keep an eye on your holiday home, wherever life takes you.