Checklist for Maintaining a Holiday Rental Property in Spain While Abroad

Owning a holiday home in Spain is a fantastic investment, offering a place to escape to and, in some cases, a potential rental income. However, for non-resident property owners, maintaining a home from another country comes with some challenges. Without regular upkeep, small issues can quickly escalate, leading to costly repairs and unnecessary stress.

Whether you visit your property seasonally or rent it out, having a structured maintenance plan ensures that your home stays in top condition all year round. We’ve put together a comprehensive checklist to help you manage your Spanish property efficiently and keep it in good shape when you live abroad.

1. Hire Local Support to Oversee Your Property

When you’re living in another country, having a trusted local contact is one of the best ways to help keep your property in order. However, if you don’t have someone nearby, there are a range of other services that may be useful for you:

Property Manager or Keyholder

• A local property manager can conduct regular inspections, coordinate maintenance, and handle emergencies.
• A keyholder service ensures that someone can access your property when needed, even in cases of emergencies, for example, if there’s a sudden water leak or damage to the property, someone can be there in a timely manner.

Professional Cleaning Services

• Regular cleaning prevents dust, mould, and pest issues, especially in humid areas. 
• If you rent out your home, a cleaning service is a must to ensure that it’s always guest-ready.

Gardening & Pool Maintenance

• Many communities require outdoor areas to be well-maintained, including in your own garden. 
• Regular servicing prevents water stagnation in pools and overgrowth in gardens.

Reliable Handyman or Contractor

• Having someone available for small repairs can prevent expensive long-term damage.
• If you rent your property, providing quick response times when there are issues will help to keep guests happy.

2. Secure Your Property from Afar

As we all know, keeping your holiday home safe and secure is one of the main concerns, especially when you can’t always be there regularly. 

Install an Alarm System & Surveillance Cameras

• A good security system can deter break-ins and allow remote monitoring.
• Smart locks enable you to grant and revoke access digitally.
• If you opt for a monitored system, police can be sent out to the property in case of a break-in.

Use Smart Home Technology

• Timed lights create the impression of occupancy.
• Remote-controlled heating and air conditioning prevent damp and extreme temperatures from damaging interiors.

Check Your Insurance Policy

• Ensure your home insurance covers theft, damage, and third-party liability (especially if you rent your property).
• If your property is vacant for long periods, confirm that your policy remains valid under those conditions.
• Some insurance companies are now offering squatter protection, so it may be worthwhile to check these options out.

3. Stay on Top of Utility Bills & Payments

Avoid disruptions and unexpected penalties by automating essential payments.

Set Up Direct Debits

• Arrange automatic payments for:
  • Electricity & water bills
  • Internet & home security services
  • Community fees & property taxes (IBI tax)
  • Car tax (if you keep a car in Spain)

Monitor Utility Usage

• In long-term vacancies, keep water and electricity at minimal use but ensure pipes and appliances are occasionally checked to prevent issues.

Adjust Utilities Seasonally

• Reduce unnecessary energy consumption but maintain ventilation and minimal heating to prevent dampness and mould.

4. Prevent Property Deterioration

A vacant property can develop unexpected issues if left unchecked, but you can prevent these common problems:

Control Moisture & Ventilation

• Keep wardrobes and drawers open when vacant to avoid musty smells.
• Use dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers, especially in humid areas.

Pest Control Measures

• Schedule preventative treatments for common Spanish pests (e.g. ants and cockroaches)
• Remove any standing water that could attract insects.

Check for Leaks & Structural Issues

• Water damage can escalate quickly – regular inspections can catch problems before they worsen.
• Instruct your property manager to look for signs of leaks, cracks, or mould.

5. Keep Up with Legal & Tax Responsibilities

Property ownership in Spain comes with ongoing tax and legal obligations, which can change over time.

Stay Informed on Local Regulations

• If you rent your property, check the latest requirements for rental licenses and tax rules.
• If your property is located within a community, do be sure that you’re kept up to date if there are any Annual Meetings that occur whilst you’re away.
• Ensure compliance with any tourist rental regulations specific to your region.

Understand Your Non-Resident Tax Obligations

• You’ll need to declare your rental income, regardless of whether you rent out all year round, or just partially. This is done on an annual basis every January, but we recommend preparing ahead of time to ensure that it’s filed in a timely manner. This is done via the Modelo 210 tax form.
• If your property remains empty all year, you must file Non-Resident Income Tax (via the Modelo 210 form) annually by 31st December.

Need help with non-resident taxes? IberianTax specialises in helping non-resident property owners stay compliant and avoid fines.

6. Prepare for Your Next Visit or Guest Stays

Before you or your guests arrive, make sure everything is set up for a hassle-free stay.

Pre-Arrival Inspections

• Check the functionality of appliances, water heaters, and air conditioning before arrival.
• Ensure keys, security codes, and remote access tools are ready to use.

Stock Up on Essentials

• Keep basics like toiletries, cleaning products, and kitchen essentials available for yourself or guests.

Schedule Maintenance in Advance

• If possible, plan inspections just before your arrival to ensure everything is in order.

Maintaining a vacation home in Spain while living abroad doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right local support, smart security measures, and a structured approach, you can ensure your property stays in optimum condition year-round.

At IberianTax, we help non-resident homeowners stay compliant with Spanish tax laws, ensuring you avoid penalties and unnecessary costs. You can even schedule your payments via Direct Debit, to ensure that you’ve got one more thing ticked off your list.

Need help with your non-resident tax obligations? Contact us today for expert guidance!