Decide who may access the property
Access should be agreed before you leave. Identify who holds keys, the circumstances in which they may enter and how every visit will be documented.
Avoid distributing uncontrolled copies. When a tradesperson needs access, confirm their identity, arrival time and planned work in advance.
Choose a frequency that suits the home
There is no single correct schedule for every property. The season, the condition of the building, active equipment, a garden or pool and the length of your absence all influence the interval between visits.
A house used for only a few weeks each year may need a different routine from a property left empty for a short period.
Ask for information you can actually use
A message saying that everything is fine provides very little detail. A useful record includes a date, the points observed, current photographs and a short note about any change.
You should quickly know whether anything is urgent and be able to consult previous visits without searching through scattered messages.
- Date and time of the visit.
- A completed list of agreed checks.
- Property photographs, never pictures of people.
- Short, specific observations.
- Immediate contact when a decision is needed.
Prepare for your return as well
Before you arrive, it can be useful to confirm access, the exterior condition, visible electricity indicators and other simple tasks agreed in advance. This does not replace specialist maintenance, cleaning or repairs.
Having an identified local contact can also make access easier when an appropriate professional is required.
