If your Costa Blanca home is empty between visits, agree exactly what the keyholder will check and how often. Looking for water under sinks, checking outside drains and reporting unusual smells can reveal a problem before your next arrival. A written list also lets you know what a routine visit includes and what needs a separate maintenance appointment.
Make it easy to find the essentials
Keep a property file with the water valve, consumer unit, meters, alarms, utility contacts, insurer and administrator. Add manuals and trusted trades. Store it securely where it can be accessed when you're abroad.
Label keys in a way the keyholder understands without attaching the full address. Name a backup contact in case the usual person is away when something fails.
Agree what ‘checked’ means
Make a list covering leaks, smells, mould, pests, power, fridge, hot water, AC drainage, toilets, windows, shutters and outside drains. Ask for dated photos and a message about anything unusual.
Choose the frequency using the insurer's requirements, season and the systems left running. Add checks after storms or a reported building problem. A standard photo of the living room shouldn't stand in for looking at the parts most likely to fail.
Decide what happens if something is wrong
Agree access authority, an emergency spending limit and when approval is needed. Require photos and itemised invoices. With that agreed in advance, the keyholder can arrange urgent help within the limit while keeping you informed.
Agree the departure routine
Decide which water and electrical systems stay on during long closures. Consider alarms, pumps and any humidity control you rely on before switching supplies off. Clear safely accessible drains, secure outdoor items and record the agreed procedure so the person closing the home follows the same plan each time.
Before you go ahead
- The keyholder can find the valves, electrical controls and essential contacts.
- You have an agreed inspection list, schedule and photo record.
- The keyholder knows what urgent spending they can authorise.
- There is a backup contact if the usual person is unavailable.
- The arrival and departure procedure includes meter readings and a plan for systems left running.
Common questions
Should I turn off the water?
It can reduce some leak risk, but the correct plan depends on appliances, irrigation, shared systems and the property's valves. Agree a documented procedure with a competent local person.
How often should an empty home be checked?
Choose a frequency based on insurer requirements, season, building risk and systems left running. Increase checks after storms, utility alerts or reported community problems.
Sources and further reading
Official information checked on 12 October 2026. Rules and procedures can change; verify the live source for your exact circumstances.