Location: Spain

  • Short-term rental cleaning checklist: what Airbnb hosts in Spain need to know

    A poorly cleaned property gets a three-star review. A well-cleaned one gets five stars and a rebooking. If you’re managing a short-term rental in Spain — whether in Marbella, Málaga, or anywhere on the Costa del Sol — this is the checklist your cleaner should be working to.

    The full turnaround checklist

    Bedrooms

    • Strip and replace all bed linen
    • Dust all surfaces including behind headboards
    • Vacuum mattress if no protector is used
    • Check under beds and in wardrobes for left items
    • Wipe light switches and door handles

    Bathrooms

    • Disinfect toilet, seat, and flush handle
    • Clean and descale shower screen or bath
    • Wipe sink, taps, and mirror
    • Replace or restock toiletries and toilet paper
    • Empty bins and replace liners

    Kitchen

    • Clean hob, oven, and extractor
    • Wipe all worktops and cupboard fronts
    • Check fridge for left food — discard and wipe
    • Run dishwasher or hand-wash and dry all crockery
    • Restock washing-up liquid, sponge, and bin bags

    Living areas and terrace

    • Vacuum sofas and rugs
    • Wipe all hard surfaces, TV, and remotes
    • Check for left belongings
    • Sweep or mop the terrace
    • Wipe outdoor furniture

    Photo reports: why they matter

    If you’re managing your rental remotely, a photo report from your cleaner after each turnaround is one of the most valuable things you can ask for. It shows the property is guest-ready, flags any damage before the next guests arrive, and creates a record you can use if there’s ever a dispute.

    SAM cleaners can provide photo reports as part of their service. Ask for it when you post the job.

    How long does a turnaround take?

    A standard two-bedroom apartment with a same-day turnaround (checkout at 11:00, check-in at 15:00) takes around 2.5–3 hours for an experienced cleaner. Factor in extra time for linen changes if you don’t have a laundry on-site — or use a linen hire service and have fresh sets delivered.

  • How to hire a cleaner in Spain as an expat

    If you’ve spent time in expat Facebook groups for the Costa del Sol, you’ll have seen the same post dozens of times: “Can anyone recommend a reliable cleaner in Marbella?” The responses range from genuinely useful recommendations to phone numbers that go unanswered. Finding someone good takes time. This guide cuts through it.

    What to look for in a cleaner

    • Reviews from people like you. A cleaner who works well for local families isn’t necessarily the right fit for an absentee property owner who needs photo reports and reliable keyholder access.
    • English communication. If you need to brief someone remotely, explain a specific task, or deal with a problem at the property, being able to communicate clearly in English matters.
    • A clear process for access. How do they get into the property? Key safe, keyholder, lockbox? Make sure this is agreed upfront.
    • Proof of insurance. A professional cleaner should have liability coverage. It’s worth asking, especially for higher-value properties.

    The paperwork question

    Spain has specific rules around domestic employment. If you hire someone informally and they work for you regularly, there are obligations around social security contributions. Most expat property owners use a professional cleaning company or platform — which handles its own employment and tax obligations — rather than hiring an individual directly. This is the simpler route if you just need your property cleaned and don’t want an employer relationship.

    Managing from abroad

    The key to a good remote cleaning arrangement is clarity upfront. Agree on: frequency, what’s included in each visit, how access works, how you’ll communicate, and what happens if something is wrong. Photo reports after each clean are a simple way to stay in the loop without chasing anyone.

    Set it up once, properly, and you shouldn’t need to think about it again.

    How SAM helps

    SAM connects you with vetted, English-speaking cleaners across the Costa del Sol. Post a job, receive quotes, compare and confirm — all without making a single phone call in Spanish. Cleaners on SAM are reviewed by other property owners, so you can see who others in the same situation have used and trusted.

  • Airbnb cleaning between guests: the complete turnaround guide

    The gap between one guest checking out and the next checking in is often just a few hours. In that window, your property needs to go from lived-in to hotel-ready. Get it right consistently and guests notice. Get it wrong once and they’ll mention it in the review.

    What a turnaround clean should cover

    A proper Airbnb turnaround is more than a quick hoover. At minimum it should include: all bed linen stripped and replaced, all bathrooms disinfected, the kitchen cleaned including hob and oven, floors vacuumed and mopped, bins emptied, and the property restocked with essentials (toilet paper, washing-up liquid, bin bags). Any damage or missing items should be noted and reported before the next guests arrive.

    Timing and logistics

    A standard two-bedroom Airbnb takes 2.5–3 hours to turn around properly. If you have same-day checkout and check-in, confirm the turnaround time is realistic before accepting the booking. A 10:00 checkout and 12:00 check-in with a linen change is tight. Give your cleaner enough time to do the job properly.

    Linen: if you don’t have a washing machine on-site, use a linen hire service. Fresh sets delivered before each clean remove a major bottleneck from the turnaround process.

    Handing it off completely

    The cleanest setup for a remote Airbnb owner is a dedicated cleaner who has keyholder access, knows the property, and handles the turnaround automatically after each checkout. They message you when it’s done, send photos, and flag anything that needs attention. You don’t need to coordinate each clean individually.

    SAM cleaners in Marbella and across the Costa del Sol can work to this arrangement. Post a job and explain what you need — many cleaners are experienced with Airbnb properties and understand the requirements.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Check-in / check-out cleaning for holiday rentals in Spain

    For holiday rental owners in Spain, check-in and check-out cleaning is the operational heartbeat of the business. Get it wrong — late, rushed, or incomplete — and you’ll see it in your reviews. Get it right, consistently, and guests notice.

    What check-out cleaning involves

    After a guest leaves, the property needs to be returned to guest-ready condition. This means: stripping and replacing all linen, cleaning all bathrooms and the kitchen, vacuuming and mopping, emptying bins, restocking supplies, and a final check for damage or left items. The cleaner should also note anything that needs reporting before the next guests arrive.

    What check-in preparation involves

    Check-in prep usually happens at the tail end of the turnaround clean, or as a brief second visit: confirm the property is guest-ready, put out fresh welcome items (if you provide them), leave keys in the agreed location, and send a confirmation to the owner or property manager.

    Timing

    The most common pressure point is same-day turnarounds. If guests check out at 10:00 and new guests arrive at 14:00, you have four hours. A two-bedroom apartment takes 2.5–3 hours to clean properly with a linen change. That’s workable but tight — make sure your cleaner knows the window upfront.

    Photo reports

    Ask your cleaner for a photo report after each turnaround. A set of photos showing the cleaned rooms, made beds, and stocked bathrooms gives you confirmation without being there — and a record if any damage is disputed.

  • How to find a trustworthy cleaner in Spain: 7 things to check

    If you’ve had a bad experience with a cleaner in Spain — and many expat property owners have — it usually comes down to one of a few things: no-shows, poor communication, a job that wasn’t done properly, or someone who was fine for the first few visits and then started cutting corners. Here’s what to check before you commit to anyone.

    1. Verified reviews

    Not testimonials on their own website — verified reviews from actual clients on a platform where fake reviews are harder to generate. Look for consistency over time, not just one or two glowing write-ups.

    2. Clear pricing

    Can they tell you clearly what the job will cost before they start? A professional cleaner should be able to give you a fixed quote or a reliable estimate based on your property. Vague hourly rates with no estimate of time are a warning sign.

    3. Response time

    How quickly do they respond to your initial message? Someone who takes three days to reply to a quote request will probably take three days to reply when there’s a problem. Speed of communication is a reliable early signal.

    4. References or platform history

    If they’re relatively new, ask for references from existing clients. If they’re on a platform like SAM, check how many jobs they’ve completed and how long they’ve been active.

    5. Coverage during holidays and sick days

    What happens if they’re ill the day before your guests arrive? Do they have cover, or do you need to arrange it yourself? For Airbnb hosts, this is a critical question — not having a backup plan is a significant operational risk.

    6. English communication

    If you’re managing the property remotely and need to brief someone, flag a problem, or change a booking, being able to do that in English matters. It’s not about expecting Spain to speak English — it’s about being able to manage a working relationship clearly.

    7. Insurance

    Ask whether they have liability insurance. A professional cleaner or cleaning company should be insured for accidental damage. It’s a simple question and the answer tells you something about how professionally they operate.

  • Is cleaning VAT-exempt in Spain? What property owners should know

    If you’ve received an invoice from a cleaning company in Spain and noticed IVA on the bill, you’re not being overcharged. Cleaning services are subject to VAT in Spain, but at a reduced rate. Here’s how it works.

    IVA rates for cleaning in Spain

    The standard IVA rate in Spain is 21%. However, cleaning services provided directly to private households — your home, apartment, or villa — qualify for the reduced rate of 10% under Spanish tax law. This applies to domestic cleaning (regular cleans, deep cleans, end-of-tenancy) when provided to an individual as the end user.

    Commercial cleaning — offices, business premises, communal areas managed by a company — is typically charged at the standard 21% rate.

    Do individual cleaners charge IVA?

    Autónomo (self-employed) cleaners who fall below the VAT registration threshold may not charge IVA at all — this is legal within certain limits. However, if you’re hiring a registered cleaning company, expect an invoice with 10% IVA for domestic work.

    Can you reclaim IVA?

    If your property is rented commercially (holiday rentals, long-term furnished lets where you’re charging IVA to tenants), you may be able to offset the IVA paid on cleaning costs against IVA collected on rental income. This requires being registered for IVA in Spain — speak to a Spanish gestor if you’re not sure whether this applies to you.

    For most expat holiday homeowners using the property partly personally and partly for rental, the situation is more nuanced and worth professional advice.