Ask The Expert: If someone needs to be away for a while, but is coming back, is their home considered vacant? Perhaps a college instructor who is teaching a four-month course in another state, or someone who makes extended visits to a second property. 

In this situation Burns & Wilcox looks at intent. Properties often remain unoccupied for four months, six months, nine months or more because the owner or renter is away. Nevertheless, they’ve left furnishings and personal items, so it is clear they do plan to return.

In such cases, we’d still categorize the property as "occupied" as long as someone periodically visits the premises to check on it. The home also should be appropriately maintained to prevent foreseeable damage. For example, heating the premises to prevent pipes from freezing and causing water damage is a must.

Leaving property for an extended time is not a recent phenomenon. The so-called "snowbirds," for example, traditionally rotate between two homes, leaving one unoccupied. As long as they show the requisite intent to return and ensure someone is looking after the property, though, they can maintain their coverage.

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