Non-Rental Property Care & Keyholding Services
Protecting Second Homes in Málaga, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, & Fuengirola
Does the strict 90-day Schengen zone rule catch you out? Heading back home to the UK, United States, or Canada and feeling anxious about leaving your coastal property completely vacant for months at a time?
At Simple English Advice, we know that your apartment or villa on the Costa del Sol is one of your most prized possessions. We also know that you might have absolutely zero desire to rent it out to vacationers. You do not want the wear and tear of holiday traffic, you don’t want the endless cleaning loops, and you certainly don’t want a generic agency taking massive chunks of commission from your investment.
You don’t need a holiday rental agent. You need a trusted, local keyholder and home watch service that treats your property exactly as you would.
For over 15 years, we have helped expats right here in the Málaga province navigate the complexities of Spanish bureaucracy, such as tourist rental licences, car registrations, residency and driving licences. Now, we are bringing that same straightforward, “no-frills, get-things-done” ethos to looking after your empty house while you are away.
We focus our hands-on services exclusively along the central coast strip: Málaga City, Torremolinos, Benalmádena (Costa and Pueblo), and Fuengirola. This strict geographic focus allows us to respond immediately to local emergencies and keep a protective, regular eye on your front door.
The Real Hidden Risks of Leaving a Spanish Property Empty
Many second-home owners believe that locking the door and turning on the alarm is enough. However, the unique climate and legal landscape of the Costa del Sol present serious challenges for vacant properties.
The Four Crucial Vulnerabilities We Manage for You:
- 1. The 48-Hour Squatter (Okupa) Rule: The fear of okupas in Spain is a legitimate source of stress for foreign owners. Under Spanish law, the speed of discovery is everything. If an illegal entry is caught and reported to the Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil within the first 48 hours, it can be treated as an active criminal break-in (allanamiento de morada), resulting in a swift eviction. If it goes unnoticed past that window, it enters a painful, expensive civil court system that can drag on for months. Our frequent, physically logged inspections completely mitigate this risk.
- 2. Flash Floods, Humidity, and Calima Storms: The Mediterranean climate can change fast. Torrential winter downpours can expose minor terrace leaks overnight, while high coastal humidity can trigger rapid mould and damp issues if windows stay shut for three months. Furthermore, red desert dust storms (Calima) can clog terrace drains, leading to severe overflow.
- 3. Dry Traps and Sewer Gas Infiltration: When water isn’t run regularly through sinks, showers, and toilets, the water barriers in the plumbing traps evaporate. This allows toxic, foul-smelling sewer gases to flood your living spaces and invites pests straight into your home.
- 4. Unseen Spanish Bureaucracy: Administrative notifications from the Hacienda (tax office), the local Ayuntamiento (town hall), or your community of owners don’t pause just because you are out of the country. Missing an official deadline for your IBI (council tax), community fees, or non-resident property taxes (Modelo 210) can result in frozen bank accounts (embargoes) or penalties.
Our Comprehensive Property Support Checklist
When you choose us as your dedicated property care team in Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, or Málaga, your home receives a rigorous, multi-point inspection at every visit. We don’t just walk in and walk out; we execute a comprehensive maintenance routine.
Interior Health & Visual Inspection
- Ventilation Check: We completely air out the apartment or villa during our visit to keep the air circulating and prevent stagnant humidity or dampness from taking hold.
- Plumbing Refresh: We flush every toilet and run every single tap and shower head to keep the plumbing traps filled and prevent odours and pests.
- Appliance Monitoring: We check that your refrigerator, freezer, and damp-dehumidifiers are running at optimal levels and ensure there have been no unexpected electrical trips.
- Moisture & Leak Scouting: We visually inspect all ceilings, windowsills, and under-sink pipework for any sudden signs of water ingress, pipe corrosion, or damp patches.
Exterior & Security Safeguards
- Entry Point Auditing: We check all external doors, windows, shutters, and grilles to ensure they remain perfectly locked, solid, and tamper-free.
- Mailbox Management & Mail Scanning: We empty your physical mailbox to prevent junk mail from piling up, a dead giveaway to outsiders that a house is empty. We can instantly scan and securely email any urgent or official letters to you.
- Local Alarm Proxy Registration: We act as your officially registered, local keyholder contact for your security provider (such as Securitas Direct or Prosegur). If your alarm sounds at 3:00 AM, we coordinate with the police or inspect the perimeter so you aren’t left stranded on the phone in another country.
Simple, Transparent Pricing Packages
True to our brand philosophy, we don’t believe in confusing, hidden agency pricing or charging commissions based on the value of your property. We offer straightforward, monthly flat-rate packages tailored to what you actually need.
Available Add-On Services tailored to your stay:
- Vehicle Care Package: Leaving a Spanish-plated car in the garage? We will start the engine, run the air conditioning, check tire pressures, and keep the battery conditioned so it’s ready to drive the minute you land at Málaga Airport.
- Pre-Arrival / “Welcome Home” Protocol: Tell us when your flight lands. We will turn on the water mains, set your climate control to the perfect temperature, air out the house, and even stock your fridge with basic groceries.
- Contractor & Tradesperson Coordination: Need an electrician, plumber, or painter while you’re gone? We can unlock the property, supervise their work, and lock up securely when they finish.
How to Get Started with Us
The Initial No-Obligation Chat
Contact us by WhatsApp, or email. We will discuss your exact property location, type, specific security setups, and your typical travel calendar.
The Secure Key Handover
We meet you at your property in Málaga, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, or Fuengirola to sign the contract and collect a working set of keys. For strict security compliance, your keys are never labelled with your property address. They are assigned a random, secure barcode system inside our encrypted system.
Total Peace of Mind
You fly back home knowing that if a Mediterranean storm hits, a pipe bursts, or an official tax letter arrives, a trusted, award-winning team that speaks your native language is already handling it on the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you offer holiday rental management or Airbnb check-ins?
No. We specialise entirely in non-rental property care. Our mission is to keep your home pristine, safe, and private. Because we do not handle high-turnover tourist rentals, your private home receives our dedicated focus without the structural wear and tear of continuous holiday tenants.
How do I know you've actually visited my property?
Transparency is everything to us. During every inspection, we send you a live WhatsApp video or photo update from inside your property, showing that the taps have been run, the mail has been checked, and everything is secure.
What happens if an emergency occurs while I am away?
If we discover a problem (like a burst community pipe or storm damage), we document it immediately with photos and videos and call you right away. If it requires urgent action, we can shut off the local water or mains power and coordinate with your insurance provider or trusted local tradespeople to minimize damage.
Why shouldn't I just give my keys to a friendly neighbour?
Neighbours are great for emergencies, but they have their own lives, travels, and commitments. They don’t know what to look for regarding Spanish administrative updates; they aren’t insured if something goes wrong, and they might miss the critical 48-hour window for squatter protection. By using a professional agency, you ensure a reliable, contractual shield for your property.
Can you help with my annual Spanish non-resident property tax?
Yes! Our Gold Package includes support for your annual Modelo 210 tax filings, ensuring you stay fully compliant with Spanish tax laws while living abroad.
Our accountancy team can also file your annual non-resident tax for an additional fee.
Don’t leave your empty house to chance.
Let us manage coastal logistics so you can enjoy your time back home without the worry in the background.
Contact Simple English Advice Today for a Free Personalised Quote.