5 Crucial tips to keep your property safe – vacant plot monitoring

Property management is a broad field, encompassing the acquisition, development, and maintenance of properties. Vacant plot monitoring is a task that requires constant attention and meticulousness, as property management issues can put the property owner at risk of legal, financial, and reputational loss. Common property management problems, such as property encroachment, misuse of the site, fear of the site or land getting into litigation, sale of the site or land by an impersonator, squatting by antisocial elements, and littering, can be daunting for any property owner.

Criminal trespassing is alarmingly increasing in India (As per NCRB), with an evident number of cases being filed every year. According to the National Crime Records Bureau of India, in 2019, a total of 39,703 cases of criminal trespassing were registered in India. Additionally, in 2020 and 2021, a total of 40,818 and 44,004 cases of criminal trespassing were registered in India, respectively.

                                            Property encroachment is one of the most common property management problems. Encroachment occurs when someone builds a structure over a neighbour’s property or uses someone else’s property without their permission. This issue can be a major problem, as it can lead to costly legal proceedings and expensive outlays on the part of the aggrieved party in order to protect their property rights. Property owners must be vigilant in protecting the property’s boundaries and watching out for signs of encroachment. A similar incident that took place in Delhi is evident, and how tough it could get after delayed actions. However, with the proper knowledge and procedures in place, property owners can reduce the risk of costly legal and financial problems.

 Here are the 5 crucial tips for vacant plot monitoring.

 

1. Establish a regular schedule for monitoring: 

  Establish a set frequency for monitoring the vacant plot, such as weekly or monthly check-ins. Make sure to create a written schedule and stick to it in order to ensure that any changes or activities on the plot are noted and addressed in a timely manner. Squatting by antisocial elements is another problem property owners may face. These people may engage in criminal activities, the destruction of property, or the illegal selling of goods, which are all detrimental to the owner. Thus, it is essential that property owners take steps to prevent touts from taking up residence on their property.

2. Document any changes: 

When monitoring the vacant plot, be sure to record any changes. This could include physical changes to the plot, such as new construction or landscaping, or changes in activity, such as increased foot traffic or illegal activities. Note any observations and take photos if possible to create a record of the plot’s condition. Misuse of the site is another common property management problem. Misuse of a property can range from excessive noise to dangerous behaviour. It can also include inappropriate activities such as drug use, vandalism, and littering.

3. Take photos: 

Taking photos of the vacant plot can help create a record of the plot’s condition over time. This can be useful for documenting changes or providing evidence of illegal activities. Taking photos of a vacant plot can be a useful tool for keeping track of the plot’s condition over time. This can be especially useful for documenting changes that may occur to the plot, such as the presence of illegal dumping, or the growth of vegetation. Additionally, having a photographic record of the plot can provide valuable evidence in the event of any illegal activities or disputes that may arise. Look at the example below.     Vacant plot Monitoring

4. Report any illegal activities:

Any illegal activities on a vacant plot should be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities. Document the observations and provide as much detail as possible.  These actions can negatively impact the community and potentially put individuals in danger. Illegal activities can include, but are not limited to, illegal dumping of waste, drug dealing, prostitution, and squatting. Regular observation can help in watching over any illegal activity and reporting it on time.  

5. Maintain accurate records: 

Maintaining accurate records of the monitoring activities is important for tracking changes to the plot and for providing evidence of any illegal activities. Be sure to keep detailed notes of the observations and any photos taken. Additionally, consider utilising technology to help track changes to the plot over time. This could include using a mapping application to track changes to the plot layout, or using a spreadsheet to record observations and photos. In addition to tracking changes to the plot, maintaining accurate records can also be essential for providing evidence of any illegal activities that may be taking place on the plot. Property owners must conduct regular maintenance and spot checks to ensure that the proper rules and regulations are being followed. Property owners must constantly be aware of the risks associated with their properties, and take proactive measures to prevent legal, financial, and reputational loss.  Fear of site/land getting into litigation is another vexing property management problem. Property owners may worry that they will be sued if they take action to remedy a property management issue. Unfortunately, if the issue remains unattended, the chances of a successful lawsuit are significantly higher. Property owners should consult the appropriate legal counsel in order to ensure that their rights are preserved and protected. The sale of a site/land by an impersonator is a serious property management concern. This type of fraud occurs when a person falsely represents themselves as the owner of the property. They may then attempt to sell or transfer the property without the rightful owner’s permission. Property owners must take the necessary steps to protect their properties from such fraudulent activities. Finally, littering is another property management problem that must be addressed. Littering affects not only the appearance of a property but also the environment. Property owners should strive to create a safe and clean environment by implementing effective waste management plans and educating tenants and guests about proper waste disposal. To conclude, vacant plot monitoring services are a great way to protect the property, keep it safe from vandalism, and ensure that it is properly cared for, wherever the plot owner is, especially if the landowner is an NRI or has life choices away from their investments. These services provide peace of mind and are an excellent choice for those who own vacant plots. With regular monitoring, the property owner can be sure that the property is secure and that any issues are immediately addressed. Acrewatch is a multi-dimensional, digitalized, real estate service provider that has exceptional services for vacant plot monitoring in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The vacant plot owners struggle to monitor their vacant plots in their daily schedules, especially if they own one or many lands in different places. Subscription to Acrewatch’s vacant plot monitoring services can offer the following essential services to secure and monitor vacant plots.

1. Property owners can access all the documents online from anywhere.
2. Periodic visits are conducted with geo-tagged pictures uploaded to ensure the land is secure. 
3. Surrounding developments are recorded and documented at every site visit.
4. Government records are checked and documented which can be used as proof for any legal purposes.