This guide provides general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and rates can change, and the outcome may differ based on your property, ownership type, agreement and association. Always check current official sources and seek individual advice where needed.
What a property check can include
- A visual review of agreed rooms and access points.
- Checks for visible signs of water, moisture, heating issues or damage.
- Airing, mail handling and simple preparation where agreed.
- Status documentation using notes or photos.
- Coordination with a tradesperson or provider after owner approval.
Agree frequency and documentation
The need depends on the home, season, insurance conditions and length of absence. The agreement should state how often the home is visited, what is reviewed, how visits are documented and when you are contacted.
Keep access and keys controlled
Record which keys are held, who may use them and which access requires separate approval. Alarm instructions, common areas and contact with a caretaker or neighbour may also matter.
How an incident is handled
Agree a priority contact route, a cost limit for urgent decisions and which providers may be called. Visible damage should be documented and the owner informed quickly. A property check is visual and practical support, not a technical diagnosis.
If the home is also rented
When the home is rented, property checks should connect with access, cleaning, guest or tenant communication and the property’s rules. Statutory permission for short-term rental does not override bylaws, house rules, tenancy terms or insurance.
Checklist for the agreement
- Which rooms and conditions are reviewed?
- How often is the home visited?
- How is each visit documented?
- When are you contacted, and who is the backup contact?
- Which tasks and costs require your approval?
- What is explicitly outside the property-check service?