A home that has been closed for weeks or months needs attention before you arrive. A short checklist and one visit a few days earlier can spare you unpleasant surprises.
Plan the visit a few days before
Arrange for someone to enter the home two to four days before you arrive. That leaves time to fix anything they find. In your request, explain how access works (key box, neighbour, management company), who to contact on site and any rules of the building or community.
Water
Open the taps and let the water run, check under sinks and around the water heater for leaks, and look at the ceilings for stains. If something drips or the pressure is odd, ask for a plumber in Nerja or elsewhere on the coast.
Electricity and appliances
Check that the main switch and protections hold, that lights and sockets work and that the fridge and freezer run. If a protection trips repeatedly, that calls for an electrician rather than resetting it again and again.
Humidity and air
Closed homes can develop damp smells. Open windows to air them, and look for signs of mould on walls, wardrobes and bathrooms. Clean air conditioning filters before using the unit; see our guide on air conditioning before summer.
Security and locks
Check doors, windows, shutters and locks. If a lock sticks or a key is missing, a locksmith in Marbella or elsewhere can help.
Garden, terrace and pool
Overgrown plants, dead leaves and a dirty pool are common after a long absence. Our guide on garden and terrace care explains what to plan.
Clean for arrival
A full clean just before you arrive makes the house feel ready. You can request home cleaning in Mijas or in Benahavís, with the arrival date in the request.
Keep a list
Write down what you found and what you fixed, with photos. It helps you plan the next visit and shows what is worth doing regularly while you are away.