A practical sequence for professional executors dealing with an empty inherited home, from lawful access to documented inspections.
Hermens Property · London and Surrey
Our role is to help executors make informed decisions about the property, its condition and the work needed before a sale or handover. Every instruction is tailored to the property, with contractor costs and any Hermens coordination fee explained before work is authorised.
01
Before requesting locksmith work, identify who is entitled to instruct and whether anyone lives at or has rights to occupy the home. A death or grant of probate does not itself make every property vacant. Where occupation is uncertain or disputed, take legal advice rather than changing locks.
02
Insurers can impose conditions covering the frequency of visits, heating, water supply, alarms and locks. The executor or policyholder should obtain and review the policy terms, record the agreed inspection programme and check any special requirements with the insurer.
03
Where the property is lawfully vacant and the instruction is authorised, Hermens can coordinate locksmith quotations, replacement cylinders, secure keyholding and a record of who is permitted access. The aim is accountable access, not excluding lawful occupiers.
04
A visit record should state when the property was attended, who entered, what was visually observed, meter readings where safe, dated photographs, areas that could not be accessed and any immediate concern referred to the executor or solicitor.
05
Visual visits cannot confirm hidden leaks, gas or electrical safety, structural condition or insurance compliance. Suspected hazards and material damage should be escalated, with independent specialist quotations approved before work proceeds.
06
An agreed reporting protocol can link each report, locksmith invoice and contractor instruction to the firm's matter reference. Security, vacant-property care and eventual sale remain separate, optional appointments.
Tell us the address, who is authorised to instruct work and what needs attention. We can discuss the relevant services and agree a sensible sequence, whether you need one quotation or coordinated preparation for a sale.
Hermens provides property-related services, not probate legal advice, reserved probate work or legal estate administration. Where a formal tax valuation, regulated advice or specialist work is needed, an appropriately qualified independent professional should be appointed.
