Category: Uncategorized

  • End-of-tenancy cleaning in Spain: what landlords need to know

    When a tenancy ends in Spain, the condition of the property matters — both for the return of the deposit and for getting it ready for the next occupant. Here’s what landlords and property managers need to know.

    What you’re entitled to expect

    Under Spanish tenancy law (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos), tenants are required to return the property in the same condition as they received it, accounting for normal wear and tear. This means the property should be clean, with no accumulated dirt or damage beyond reasonable use. It does not mean brand new — but it should be genuinely clean.

    If the property is not returned in acceptable condition, landlords can deduct the cost of cleaning from the deposit (fianza). However, this is easier to enforce if you have an inventory and photo record from the start of the tenancy.

    What an end-of-tenancy clean includes

    • All rooms hoovered, mopped, and surfaces wiped down
    • Kitchen cleaned throughout including inside oven, fridge, and cupboards
    • Bathrooms disinfected and descaled
    • Windows cleaned inside (and outside where accessible)
    • All waste removed from the property
    • Balcony or terrace swept and cleaned

    Getting it priced

    End-of-tenancy cleans are almost always priced per job rather than per hour. The final price depends on property size, how thoroughly it needs cleaning, and any specific tasks (external windows, pool area, garage). Expect to pay €200–€500 for a typical two-bedroom apartment in poor condition. Post a job on SAM with photos of the current state and cleaners will quote accordingly.

  • Post-summer deep clean: what holiday rental owners need to do in September

    August is over. Your last guests have checked out. And your property has been turned around 15 times since June. Now is the time to do a proper reset — not just another turnaround, but a thorough deep clean and property check that sets things up properly for the quieter months ahead.

    Why September matters

    After a heavy summer of short lets, properties accumulate wear that a standard turnaround doesn’t address. Grout gets stained. Ovens get caked. Mattresses get compressed. Sun cream gets on soft furnishings. Taps and shower screens get scaled. A post-season deep clean sorts all of this before it becomes a permanent problem — or a reason for a bad review from an autumn guest.

    What a post-summer deep clean covers

    • Full kitchen deep clean including inside oven, extractor, and all cupboards
    • Bathroom deep clean: descale shower screens, re-grout if needed, replace worn sealant
    • Wash all soft furnishings: sofa cushion covers, curtains, throws
    • Clean all exterior shutters and window tracks
    • Deep clean terrace and outdoor furniture
    • Check and clean AC filters before switching to heating mode

    Other September tasks

    Check your inventory — note anything broken, missing, or worn that needs replacing before next summer. Review your listing photos — if you took better photos this summer when the property was full of light, update them. And if you’re closing the property for winter, arrange a monthly check visit to keep on top of any issues before they compound.

  • Managing your Spanish property remotely: the complete guide

    You’re in Manchester, or Amsterdam, or Dublin, and your apartment in Marbella is sitting empty between guest bookings. The pool hasn’t been checked since October. You’re not sure if the heating’s working. And the next guests arrive in three weeks. This is the reality for thousands of expat property owners on the Costa del Sol — and it’s entirely manageable if you approach it properly.

    The people you need

    Remote property management runs on reliable local contacts. At minimum you need: a cleaner who can handle turnarounds and regular maintenance cleans, someone who can hold a key and provide access for trades, and a basic maintenance contact for small repairs. For larger properties or active Airbnb rentals, consider a local property management service to coordinate everything.

    Setting up reliable access

    A key safe is the simplest solution for most properties. Choose a good-quality one (not the cheap flip-cover models), fix it to a solid wall, and share the code securely with your cleaner and any other trusted contacts. Change the code periodically and always update contacts when you do.

    Staying informed without chasing

    The best remote arrangement is one where you don’t need to chase anyone. Ask your cleaner for a photo report after each visit — a few photos showing the property is clean and in good order. Set up a WhatsApp group or similar with your key contacts. Agree upfront on what they should handle independently and what they should flag to you before acting.

    Seasonal considerations

    Costa del Sol properties need different attention at different times of year. Before summer: check air conditioning, replace pool chemicals, and arrange a deep clean. After summer: a thorough post-season clean, check for any damage, and arrange regular maintenance visits through winter. Before your arrival: a pre-arrival clean so the property is ready when you land.

  • Christmas preparation cleaning guide for Andalucía homeowners

    For many expat property owners on the Costa del Sol, Christmas is one of the two or three times a year they actually get to use the property. Getting it properly ready after weeks or months of being empty makes the difference between a relaxing arrival and a stressful one.

    Book the clean early

    December is busy for cleaning services in Marbella and across Andalucía — both local families and other holiday homeowners are all preparing properties at the same time. If you’re arriving between 20 December and 6 January, book your pre-arrival clean by the end of November. Don’t leave it to the last minute.

    What to ask for

    • Full property clean — all rooms, kitchen, bathrooms
    • Fresh bed linen on all beds
    • Airing the property — windows open for at least an hour before closing up
    • Check all systems: hot water, heating, AC
    • Run all taps and flush all toilets
    • Check for any damp, leaks, or storm damage — winter storms are common in November and December

    Heating

    Andalucía winters are mild by northern European standards — but December nights in Marbella can drop to 7–10°C, and an unheated property that’s been closed for months will feel cold on arrival. Ask your cleaner to run the heating for a couple of hours before you arrive if you can coordinate the timing.

    Getting a quote

    Post your pre-arrival job on SAM with your arrival date and property details. Specify if it’s been empty since summer — cleaners will factor in the extra time needed for a thorough airing and clean.

  • Property checks between visits: what to ask your cleaning service

    A property left empty for three months without anyone checking on it is a liability. Leaks go undetected. Damp builds up. Pests move in. A storm does damage that no one notices until it’s compounded. Regular check visits — even without a full clean — are one of the smartest things a remote property owner can arrange.

    What a property check should cover

    • Check for water leaks under sinks, around toilets, and on ceilings
    • Check for damp patches, particularly in bathrooms and external walls
    • Run all taps and flush toilets to prevent traps drying out
    • Open windows briefly to air the property
    • Check the terrace for debris or storm damage
    • Confirm all locks and shutters are secure
    • Note anything that needs maintenance attention

    How often to arrange checks

    Monthly is a reasonable minimum for an empty property. During autumn and winter — when storms are more likely on the Costa del Sol — fortnightly is better. A check visit takes 30–60 minutes and the cost is minimal compared to discovering a leak that’s been running for two months.

    Photo reports

    Ask for a photo report after each check — a few photos covering the main rooms, the terrace, and anything of note. This creates a record and gives you peace of mind without having to be there. SAM cleaners who offer check services will provide this as part of the visit.

  • Key holding services in Marbella: how it works

    If you own a property in Marbella and don’t live there full-time, at some point you’ll need someone else to access it on your behalf — to let in a plumber, receive a delivery, or meet a guest for a check-in. A key holding service is the professional solution.

    What a key holding service involves

    A key holder holds a copy of your property keys — or the code to your key safe — and can provide access when needed. They’re not a security company (though some overlap exists), but rather a trusted local contact who can be at your property within a reasonable time to let someone in, check on something, or handle a routine task on your behalf.

    Who provides key holding in Marbella?

    Many cleaners and property managers in Marbella offer key holding as an add-on service. If you already have a cleaner you trust, ask whether they offer this — it’s often the simplest arrangement, as they know the property and you have an established working relationship.

    Dedicated property management companies also offer key holding, usually as part of a wider package that includes cleaning, maintenance coordination, and guest check-in/out.

    What to agree upfront

    Be clear about: what they are authorised to do (access for trades only, or also handle basic decisions), what the response time should be, how access requests are made, and how keys are stored. A key safe at the property eliminates the risk of lost keys and makes access management simpler for everyone.

  • Pre-arrival home preparation: getting your Spanish villa ready

    You’ve booked your flights. You land Friday evening. The last thing you want is to arrive at your villa to find it dusty, stuffy, and with an empty fridge. A pre-arrival clean, arranged a day or two before you land, makes sure the property is ready when you walk through the door.

    What a pre-arrival clean should include

    • Full clean of all rooms — dust, hoover, mop
    • Fresh bed linen on all beds
    • Bathrooms cleaned and stocked with essentials
    • Kitchen wiped down and checked for any expired food in the fridge
    • Windows opened to air the property
    • Terrace swept and outdoor furniture wiped
    • Air conditioning tested

    If the property has been empty for months

    A property that’s been closed up since October needs more than a quick clean. Budget for a 3–4 hour airing and clean rather than a standard hourly visit. Ask your cleaner to run all taps, check for any damp or leaks, and open all windows for at least an hour before closing up. Properties near the coast accumulate salt air and dust quickly in closed rooms.

    Coordinating from abroad

    Post a job on SAM 3–5 days before your arrival date. Specify the property, date and time you need it completed by, and whether it’s been empty for an extended period. A photo report when it’s done means you can see it’s ready before you even board the plane.

  • Storm damage checks and property inspections in Andalucía

    Andalucía gets its share of serious weather — particularly between October and March. The DANA weather events that hit the region periodically can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flash flooding. If your property is empty when this happens, you may not find out about any damage for weeks.

    What storm damage looks like on a Costa del Sol property

    • Water ingress through terrace doors or windows — especially older frames
    • Blocked drains causing flooding on terraces or in basement parking
    • Fallen trees or debris on terraces or in gardens
    • Damage to awnings, pergolas, and outdoor furniture
    • Roof tile damage on older buildings and townhouses

    Post-storm checks: what to ask for

    After a significant storm, ask your key holder or cleaner to do a check visit within 48 hours. They should look for: water on floors near doors or windows, visible damage to external areas, anything blocking drains, and any structural issues. Photo documentation is essential — especially if you need to make an insurance claim.

    Preventing the worst

    Preventive steps before the storm season: clear terraces of lightweight items that can be blown, check drain covers and clear any debris, close shutters on south and west-facing windows, and confirm your home insurance covers weather damage to garden structures and contents.

    A local contact who can check on the property quickly after bad weather is worth more than most insurance policies. SAM cleaners who offer property check services can be available on short notice for post-storm visits.