Preparing your Las Terrenas home for a long absence

What can happen to a closed house

In a hot, humid climate, an empty house is not immune to trouble: moisture building up, mould, a leak nobody notices, insects, plants taking over, an appliance that fails to restart after a power cut, or damage after a heavy downpour. None of this is inevitable, but it pays to get organised before you go.

Have someone check on the house

The best protection is someone who drops by regularly: a person you trust, a property manager or a concierge service. Agree in writing on:

• how often they visit and what they check each time;
• how they report back, for example with photos sent over WhatsApp;
• what to do if there is a problem, and how much they can spend without asking you;
• an extra visit after heavy rain, strong wind or a long power cut;
• which providers to call, with their contact details.

During visits, ask them to open up and air the house, run water briefly at every tap and drain, and look at ceilings and walls. If you would like to rent the house out while you are away, that is a different matter: talk to a rental management professional.

Water

• Ask your plumber which valve to close and what needs to stay supplied: irrigation, pool top-up, cistern pump.
• Ask them what to do about the water heater.
• If the house has a gas installation, have a professional make it safe before you leave.
• Check that the cistern and rooftop tank are properly covered.
• When drain traps dry out, smells and insects come up through them: whoever visits can run a little water.

Electricity and the fridge

• Have your electrician list what must stay powered (alarm, cameras, pump, pool filtration), and do not switch off circuits at random at the panel.
• Unplug appliances you do not need: that protects them from surges when the power comes back.
• If you have an inverter and batteries, have them checked before you leave.
• If you unplug the fridge, empty it, clean it, dry it and leave the door ajar to prevent mould and odours. If it stays on, leave very little inside and ask for it to be checked after power cuts.

Air conditioning and humidity

A closed house traps moisture. There are several options: airing it during visits, a dehumidifier, or running the air conditioning from time to time. Choose with your technician the one that suits your home.

• Have the air conditioners serviced and the filters cleaned before you go.
• Leave interior doors, wardrobes and drawers slightly open so air can circulate.
• Store linen and clothing clean and completely dry.

Pool and garden

• Keep the pool maintained, with regular visits agreed in writing. Do not drain it without a professional's advice.
• Arrange watering, mowing and pruning. Before you leave, have branches and coconuts that threaten the roof removed.
• Get rid of standing water: plant saucers, buckets, blocked gutters.

Keys and access

• Keep an up-to-date list of who has a key.
• Never put your address on a key ring.
• Leave a set with the person looking after the house and, if you have an alarm, give them what they need to know.
• Get back any keys you gave to past providers.

Insurance: check it yourself

Reread your policy or ask your insurer: cover while you are away, any conditions when the property is unoccupied for a long time, obligations you must meet, water damage, theft, wind and hurricanes. Take dated photos of the house and valuables, and keep the policy accessible from abroad.

If you will be away during hurricane season, which officially runs from 1 June to 30 November in the Atlantic, also plan what happens if an alert is issued: our rainy-season guide, in the guides section, will help.

Departure checklist

• Person or concierge service chosen, agreement in writing
• List of providers and their contact details handed over
• Water: what is shut off and what stays on, agreed with a plumber
• Gas made safe by a professional, if relevant
• Electricity: what stays powered, agreed with an electrician
• Fridge emptied, or nearly
• Air conditioners serviced, filters clean
• Pool and garden maintenance arranged
• Bins emptied, food stored in sealed containers
• Doors, windows and shutters closed, outdoor items put away
• Key list up to date
• Insurance checked, photos taken

When you come back

Air the house, look at ceilings and walls, run the water, check the fridge, and do not swim until the pool water has been checked.

Good practice

• Ask for a written quote for any house-sitting service or work, and compare several when you can.
• Do not pay the full amount up front: prefer a deposit, then payments tied to progress.
• Check references: homes they already look after, clients you can contact.

Finding a professional

To have your home looked after while you are away, send a request: only your WhatsApp number is required. Our team will call you back to understand what you need and suggest a professional; your request is only passed on to them with your consent. This form is not an emergency service: if there is immediate danger, call 911.