If you're a property owner with vacant properties, you probably already know that empty homes and apartments can mean problems. Not only do vacancies cost you money in lost rent, but they're also at higher risk for vandalism and other types of property damage. How long can a rental property be vacant before it affects your insurance rates, bottom line, and maintenance requirements? Of course, that depends on the property and other factors, but it's important to reduce any costs or risks associated with letting a property sit empty.  Some vacancy time and loss of income between tenants are normal. After all, you may not often have one tenant moving out on Friday and a new one moving in on Saturday. Still, your goal is to reduce the time that any property sits empty. Here's how to do that, so you can keep your properties rented efficiently.