National Home Watch Association Announces Annual Home Watch Month

Fourth annual event aims to raise awareness about the importance of professional home monitoring services.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The National Home Watch Association (NHWA) has announced the fourth annual National Home Watch Month, a campaign to highlight the growing importance of professional home monitoring services for the over 10 million second and vacation homes across the U.S. and Canada. The NHWA accredits legitimate home watch businesses to protect homeowners from issues like water damage, mold, pests, and squatters that can escalate quickly when homes sit vacant for extended periods.

Why it matters

With trillions of dollars' worth of real estate left vacant for months at a time, the home watch industry plays a vital role in mitigating risks for homeowners, real estate investors, and frequent travelers. National Home Watch Month aims to raise awareness about the value of having a qualified professional advocate for a property during the owner's absence.

The details

The NHWA requires all member businesses to pass criminal background checks and be vetted for consumer complaints. Home watch is defined as a 'visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues.' Major media outlets have highlighted the growing importance of home watch services in recent years, especially for snowbirds, seasonal residents, and real estate investors.

  • National Home Watch Month is held annually in February.
  • The fourth annual National Home Watch Month is taking place in February 2026.

The players

National Home Watch Association

A trade organization that accredits legitimate home watch businesses to protect homeowners from issues that can arise when homes sit vacant for extended periods.

Jack Luber

Executive Director of the National Home Watch Association.

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What they’re saying

“Because the Home Watch industry is not recognized by any government entity in the U.S. or Canada, the National Home Watch Association (NHWA) accredits legitimate businesses that carry the proper credentials and insurance to protect their clients. All members must pass a criminal background check and are vetted for consumer complaints.”

— Jack Luber, Executive Director, National Home Watch Association

What’s next

The National Home Watch Association will be hosting events and outreach campaigns throughout February 2026 to educate homeowners about the benefits of professional home monitoring services.

The takeaway

As the number of second and vacation homes continues to rise, the home watch industry plays a critical role in protecting properties from damage and intrusion when owners are away. National Home Watch Month highlights the importance of hiring qualified, accredited professionals to safeguard these valuable assets.