What Happens If You Inherit a House and Do Nothing?
If you have an inherited house and do nothing, it can quietly turn into a monthly money drain and the longer you wait, the more it can cost you.
Inheriting a house often comes with a mix of emotions: grief, responsibility, and pressure all at once. Sometimes it’s a home filled with memories. Other times, it’s a property you didn’t ask for—one you can’t afford to fix, don’t have time to manage, or simply don’t want.
And when everything feels overwhelming, it’s easy to say, “We’ll deal with it later.” But “later” can get expensive fast. Even if no one lives there, the bills still show up—property taxes, insurance, utilities, upkeep and the risks grow too, like leaks, damage, or break-ins that go unnoticed.
In this guide, you’ll learn the real monthly costs of keeping an inherited house empty, the hidden expenses most families don’t see coming, and what can happen when waiting turns into a bigger problem.
How Much Does It Cost to Keep an Inherited House Empty?
Keeping an inherited house empty can get expensive, especially depending on the home’s condition, location, and how long it sits vacant. Even if no one is living there, the property still comes with real ongoing costs such as:
- Property taxes
- Vacant home insurance
- Utilities (electric, water, gas, trash/sewer fees)
- HOA fees (if applicable)
- Lawn care and basic maintenance
- Repairs and unexpected issues
Some inherited homes are easier to hold if they’re in good shape and well-maintained. But many inherited properties—especially older ones—can become costly fast once hidden problems show up, like water damage, mold, break-ins, pest issues, or city/HOA fines.
The biggest mistake heirs make is assuming an empty house doesn’t cost much. The bills don’t stop just because the house is sitting there, and waiting often makes the costs pile up faster than expected.
Why an Empty Inherited House Gets Expensive So Fast
A lived-in home gets monitored every day. A vacant home doesn’t.
That means if something goes wrong—like a leak, a broken window, or a storm-related issue—it can sit unnoticed long enough to cause real damage. Even if nothing “big” happens, the house still has regular bills and responsibilities.
Vacant inherited properties are also more vulnerable to:
- property deterioration
- break-ins and vandalism
- mold and moisture buildup
- fines from HOA or local code enforcement
- expensive repair surprises
Even when you don’t want to deal with the property yet, the property still demands attention.
Monthly Costs of Keeping an Inherited House Empty (Real Breakdown)
Even if nobody lives there, an inherited house still comes with regular monthly costs. Here are the most common ones:
1) Property Taxes still have to be paid, even during probate. If they’re missed, it can lead to:
- late fees and interest
- tax liens
- problems when it’s time to sell
2) Home Insurance: Vacant homes often need different insurance because they’re considered higher risk, since empty houses are more likely to have break-ins, water damage that goes unnoticed, frozen pipes, and other expensive problems. Insurance may cost more, and having the wrong coverage can even lead to denied claims meaning a small insurance mistake can quickly turn into a big expense.
3) Utilities. Even empty homes may still need:
- electricity
- water
- heat in winter
- trash/sewer service fees
And if a leak happens, it can cause serious damage before anyone notices.
4) HOA Fees. If the inherited home is in an HOA, the fees don’t stop—even if the house is empty—and you could also get fined for things like overgrown grass, trash or debris, or exterior neglect.
5) Lawn Care and Basic Upkeep. The outside still needs maintenance like:
- mowing and weeds
- trimming trees/shrubs
- leaf cleanup
- gutter checks
- snow removal (seasonal)
A messy yard can make the home look abandoned and increase risks.
6) Repairs and Surprise Problems. Many inherited homes—especially older ones—come with hidden issues like roof wear, aging HVAC systems, plumbing or electrical problems, and foundation or drainage concerns, and the longer the house sits empty, the more likely small problems turn into costly repairs.
The Hidden Costs of Waiting (The Biggest Money Drains)
The monthly bills are predictable. The hidden costs are what cause major financial losses.
Small Repairs Become Big Repairs
When a home is vacant, problems aren’t caught early. That means small issues become expensive ones, such as:
- a minor roof leak turning into serious water damage
- a slow plumbing leak ruining floors and cabinets
- clogged gutters causing exterior rot
- a cracked window leading to pests and moisture problems
A delay of just a few months can turn a “simple fix” into a major repair project.
Water Damage and Mold Can Appear Fast
Water is one of the most expensive problems in vacant homes.
If a pipe leaks or a basement takes on water, it can go unnoticed long enough to cause:
- mold growth
- ruined flooring and drywall
- expensive cleanup
- lingering smells that reduce market value
In many cases, families don’t discover the damage until they return weeks later—and by that time, the costs are much higher.
Break-Ins and Vandalism
Vacant homes attract attention. Even in good neighborhoods, a home that looks unoccupied can become a target for:
- stolen appliances
- copper theft
- broken windows
- vandalism
This leads to more repairs and more stress, and it can make the property harder to sell later.
City or HOA Fines
If the home looks neglected—overgrown yard, damaged steps, trash in view—local code enforcement or HOA boards may get involved. The longer you wait, the more likely fines pile up.
How Long Can You Leave an Inherited House Unsold?
Legally, timelines vary based on probate requirements, title transfer, and the estate process. Practically, the “real” timeline is often determined by money and risk.
Waiting may be okay if:
- the home is properly insured for vacancy
- the property is being checked regularly
- the yard is maintained
- you can afford the monthly costs comfortably
Waiting becomes risky if:
- nobody can monitor the home
- the house needs repairs
- bills are stacking up
- the home is vulnerable to damage or fines
If waiting is costing you money each month, it’s usually a sign you need a clearer plan sooner rather than later.
How to Protect the House While You Decide
If you’re not ready to sell yet, protect yourself from costly surprises:
- Secure doors/windows (change locks, add lighting)
- Keep the home climate-safe (avoid frozen pipes and moisture issues)
- Check it weekly (or hire someone local)
- Maintain the yard (avoid HOA/city trouble)
- Confirm insurance covers vacancy (don’t assume it does)
Even basic steps can prevent thousands in damage.
Not sure what to do next? Let us help you figure out the smartest move, whether you sell now or wait.
Final Thoughts: The Longer You Wait, the More It Costs
If you inherited a house you don’t want, it’s normal to feel stuck but waiting often turns a stressful situation into a financial one. Every month the house sits empty, the bills keep coming, the pressure builds, and the “small stuff” you’re avoiding can turn into expensive problems you can’t ignore. Property taxes don’t pause, insurance gets complicated, utilities and upkeep add up, and one leak, break-in, or city notice can make everything feel ten times harder overnight.
Whether you plan to fix it up, sell later, or you’re still deciding, the most important move is this: don’t let the house sit without a plan. The sooner you take control, even with basic steps to protect and maintain the home, the less money, time, and stress it will cost you in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to keep an inherited house empty?
Keeping an inherited house empty can get expensive because you’re still responsible for property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and surprise repairs—even if no one lives there.
What bills do you have to pay on an inherited house?
Most inherited house bills include property taxes, home insurance, utilities, HOA fees (if any), lawn care, and basic maintenance or repair costs to keep the home safe and compliant.
What happens if you inherit a house and do nothing?
If you inherit a house and do nothing, the costs and risks can grow over time, including unpaid taxes, insurance issues, property damage, break-ins, and costly repairs from neglect.
How long can an inherited house sit vacant before it becomes a problem?
An inherited house can become a problem quickly if it sits vacant, since vacant homes are at higher risk for damage, mold, vandalism, and insurance coverage issues—especially without regular upkeep.
Will an inherited house lose value if it sits empty?
Yes, an inherited house can lose value if it sits empty because maintenance is often delayed and problems like water damage, mold, pests, or property neglect can make it harder to sell.
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