Complete Guide to Maintaining a Rental Property
Dear tenant, proper maintenance of a rental property is key to ensuring that the landlord returns the security deposit at the end of the contract and to avoiding unnecessary conflicts during your stay.
At DFLAT Madrid, we know that both landlords and tenants can prevent many issues by following some basic guidelines.
In this guide, you will find practical tips and maintenance rules for your rental that will help you take care of your home, save money, and maintain a good relationship with your landlord.
✅ Before signing the rental agreement
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Research the landlord or agency.
Check social media and forums for any previous complaints. For greater security, work with a trusted agency that can mediate in case of incidents. -
Verify if there is home insurance.
Make sure there is an active policy listed in the contract. This helps avoid disputes in the event of accidents. -
Ensure the contract is clear.
Confirm that all tenants are included in the contract with their contact details. This ensures that responsibilities are fairly shared.
When moving into the property
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Take photos of the initial condition:
Furniture, walls, floors, appliances. -
Test all appliances:
Oven, washing machine, boiler, lights, etc. -
Record meter readings:
Mainly water, electricity, and gas.
This will serve as your protection against any later claims from either party.
Daily living in the property
Key and lock problems
In case of loss, forgetfulness, or breakage, the tenant is responsible for the keys provided and for covering the cost of replacement or repairs.
a) Loss or forgetfulness without needing to change the lock
- If the keys are left inside the apartment, you probably did not slide the latch; you might be able to open the door without a locksmith.
- Not all landlords provide us with a spare key. You can collect one free of charge during business hours, leaving a €50 deposit refundable if returned within two days.
- Home delivery: between €40 and €80, depending on schedule or urgency.
b) Loss requiring lock replacement
- You may use your own locksmith or the recommended service: AQUACONT (24 h, 626 047 004 / 607 592 602).
- You must always provide a copy of the new key to the landlord or to DFLAT.
Property Maintenance
Routine maintenance is the tenant’s responsibility. DFLAT can provide supplier contacts, but the cost is borne by the tenant.
Water management – the most critical risk
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Turn off the main water valve during long absences.
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Blockages: usually caused by food scraps or hair. Use supermarket products or call a plumber.
Electricity and lighting
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Tenants must replace bulbs and light fixtures.
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Keep appliances in good condition: TV, washing machine, dishwasher, oven, refrigerator, and boiler.
Avoid costly mistakes
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Clean the property at least every two weeks.
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Ventilate bathrooms after showers to prevent humidity and mold.
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Use coasters and avoid placing hot items directly on countertops, especially kettles.
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Dispose of garbage properly; do not leave it in the hallway.
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Respect community rules: no noise, no smoking, no pets (if stated in the contract).
It is also important:
- Pets: Avoid visits with animals to prevent hair, mites, and allergies, which could require deep cleaning or fumigation.
- Walls: Avoid hooks, pins, or adhesive tape; they leave marks.
- Smoking: Prevent smoke, odors, and the risk of repainting the apartment.
- Cleaning (especially the kitchen): Prevents insects and bad smells.
- Wooden/laminate floors: Dry natural wood; do not leave the mop resting on the floor.
- Shower and drain blockages: Try gel-based unclogging products; if the issue persists, call a plumber. Do not use hydrochloric acid (“Aguafuerte”).
- Countertops: Use coasters and trivets; kettles can leave permanent marks.
- Garbage: Do not leave it in the hallway; follow neighbor recycling protocols.
- Water heater: If it leaks, report it immediately – it may be a serious fault.
- Kitchen and oil: Never leave pans unattended.
- Aggressive cleaning products: Avoid “Aguafuerte” on metal.
- Bathroom: Ventilate after showers to prevent mold.
- Early alerts: Report stains, noises, or electrical issues immediately.
- Safety: Slippery surfaces → do not walk barefoot.
- Water thermostat: Suggested < 48 °C (120 °F).
- Travel: Shut off the main water valve; if you don’t know where it is, ask.
Travel and prolonged absences
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Do not leave only the latch on the door; use the deadbolt.
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Never put the apartment address on the keyring.
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Leave a copy of the key with someone you trust.
Other Important Aspects
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Keep cleaning products out of reach of children.
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Do not lock bathrooms with inside latches to allow assistance in an emergency.
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Monitor fireplaces and heaters.
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Always close windows when leaving.
Consumption and Energy Saving
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Water: Normal usage between €10 and €25/month.
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Internet: You should not pay more than €50/month.
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Electricity: Spain has one of the highest prices in Europe.
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Air conditioning: 26–28 °C in summer.
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Heating: 22–24 °C in winter.
Summary on Property Maintenance
Maintaining a rental property requires commitment from the tenant and communication with the landlord.
If you take care of the home as if it were your own, you will save money, avoid disputes, and recover your security deposit without issues.
New tenants in Madrid should check our rental apartment portfolio at DFLAT Madrid.
If you reached this post as a landlord looking for a property management service, please contact our landlord department.
Our accommodations and services
If you’re a tenant or seeking accommodation, we offer listings categorized by type: a corporate apartment list, apartments and rooms for students list, and short term apartments near Serrano Street and Paseo de la Castellana in the01 Escultor Building.
For property owners, please feel free to contact our property owners department.