Leaving Your Property in Morocco Empty: A Checklist for Owners Abroad

Many owners of riads, villas and apartments in Morocco spend only part of the year there. An empty property is not a problem in itself — but problems that would be noticed in a day when someone is living there can go unnoticed for weeks. This checklist covers what to do before you leave and how to keep the property safe while you are away.

Before you leave

Water

• Shut off the main water supply if nothing needs it. This is the single most effective way to avoid a leak flooding the property while you are away.
• If the pool, irrigation or a caretaker needs water, isolate the parts of the house that don’t — for example bathrooms and the kitchen — and tell the person who checks the property where the valves are.
• Note where every valve is, with photos, and share them with your caretaker or maintenance contact.

Hot water and power

• Turn off water heaters. There is no reason to keep them hot for weeks.
• Decide what stays on: the fridge (empty it if you switch it off and leave the door open), the router, cameras or alarm, pool pump, irrigation timer.
• Switch off air conditioning units and unplug non-essential appliances.

Terrace, roof and outside

• Clear terrace drains and gutters of leaves, dust and sand — a blocked drain during a storm is a common cause of infiltration.
• Secure or store terrace furniture, cushions, parasols and planters that the wind can move.
• Check the terrace surface for cracks before the rainy season — see our terrace waterproofing in Marrakech.
• Close shutters and windows; consider what needs ventilation to avoid stale air and damp.

Kitchen and pests

• Remove perishable food, empty bins and clean the kitchen thoroughly.
• Seal open packets and store dry goods in closed containers.

Security and access

• Leave keys with one trusted person — caretaker, neighbour, concierge or maintenance company — and make sure they know who else may come.
• Test cameras, alarms and smart locks, and check that notifications reach you abroad.
• Photograph every room before you leave. It helps if you need to explain something remotely later.

While you are away

Regular check visits

Agree how often someone will check the property — and what they check:

• Signs of leaks or damp, unusual smells.
• The water meter: if it moves while everything is off, there is a leak.
• Doors, windows, shutters, terrace and roof.
• Power, the fridge (if on), router and security devices.
• Running taps and flushing toilets briefly, so traps don’t dry out and smell.

Ask for photos after each visit.

After storms

In Morocco, rain is often infrequent but heavy. Ask for an extra check after strong rain or wind, focusing on terraces, ceilings and drains.

Pool and garden

A pool or garden left alone deteriorates quickly in heat. Keep pool maintenance and garden care on schedule whether or not you are there — it is cheaper than recovering them later.

Seasonal tasks

• Before summer: air conditioning service, pool equipment check.
• Before the rains: terrace and drain inspection.

A simple handover note

Write one page for the person looking after the property: valve locations, what is left on, emergency contacts, alarm codes if relevant, and who is allowed in. It saves time and mistakes.

Let someone handle it

If you would rather not coordinate a caretaker, a pool technician and a plumber from abroad, StaysFix can take care of scheduled check visits, pool and garden care and repairs as one contact, with photo reports. See maintenance for owners abroad, our guide to preparing your property before you arrive, or request a quote.