What is the term used for a building that contains no occupants or personal property?

The term that describes a building containing no occupants or personal property is "vacant." In insurance and property management contexts, a vacant building refers specifically to a structure that is not being used and has no significant contents inside. This distinction is important as it affects coverage under property insurance policies.

For insurance purposes, "vacancy" typically applies to buildings that have no inhabitants or use, which can lead to different underwriting approaches or exclusions in coverage. Insurers might impose restrictions or even higher premiums on vacant properties because they are perceived as having a higher risk for vandalism, deterioration, or other issues compared to occupied buildings.

In contrast, the terms "abandoned," "empty," and "idle" can have different connotations. "Abandoned" usually implies intentional abandonment, often indicating a longer-term lack of care or ownership. "Empty" generally suggests that a building is devoid of contents but may still be occupied or maintained. "Idle" can suggest that a building is not currently in use but may still have occupants or property within it. Thus, "vacant" is the most precise term to describe a building with no occupants or personal property.