Learn how inspectors document whether a property appears occupied, vacant, or uncertain based on visible signs and client instructions.
An occupancy check is used to document whether a property appears occupied, vacant, or uncertain.
The inspector reports visible signs only, such as vehicles, utilities, personal items, maintained yards, posted notices, or other indicators requested by the client.
Occupancy inspectors look for visible signs that help the client understand whether someone may be living at the property.
The inspector should document what is visible, follow the order instructions, and avoid guessing when the occupancy status is not clear.
Example:
You arrive at a property and see two vehicles in the driveway, trash cans near the garage, curtains in the windows, and a maintained lawn.
Those signs may support an occupied status, but the inspector should still report the visible facts and follow the client’s occupancy criteria rather than relying on one clue alone.
Occupancy photos help support the inspector’s occupancy conclusion. The client needs to see the visible signs that were present at the property.
Photos may show vehicles, utilities, personal property, yard condition, posted notices, or other indicators that help explain the report.
Occupancy check orders may include specific client requirements. Always read the instructions before deciding what signs to document.
The client may require contact attempts, neighbor verification, specific photos, vacancy indicators, occupancy comments, or other details.
If the occupancy status is not clear, do not guess. Document the visible facts and follow the client’s instructions for reporting an uncertain result.
Occupancy checks may be ordered for several reasons. A client may need to know whether a property appears occupied, vacant, or uncertain before deciding what happens next.
Common situations include:
The inspector’s job is not to make assumptions. The goal is to document the visible signs, complete any required contact attempts, and report the result according to the client’s instructions.
The next lesson focuses on photo requirements and why clear, complete photos are one of the most important parts of field inspection work.
You’ll learn what makes a photo useful, what kinds of photos clients commonly require, and how good photo documentation supports the inspection report.