Owning a second home in Italy is a dream for many — but when you’re not there, that dream still needs looking after.
Whether your property is a cozy apartment in the hills of Piemonte or a villa in the countryside of Tuscany, proper care and maintenance are essential to avoid unpleasant surprises… and to enjoy every return with a light heart.
Here’s how to manage your home while you’re abroad — the essentials, the recommendations, and how a local property manager can make all the difference.
🧭 Why You Can’t Just Lock the Door and Leave
Italian homes, especially older ones, are beautiful but sensitive. Leaving them closed and unattended for months can lead to issues like:
- Moisture buildup and mold
- Frozen or burst pipes (especially in Northern regions)
- Electrical problems or outages
- Pest infestations
- Missed bills or fines
- Garden overgrowth or storm damage
- In worst cases, burglary or vandalism
Regular care and monthly check-ins are not a luxury — they’re a necessity.
✅ Must-Do Tasks Before Leaving Your Home Unattended
Whether you leave for two months or an entire season, here’s what you should always do before locking up:
🧊 1. Shut Off the Water Supply
Especially in Northern Italy where temperatures can drop below freezing, turn off the main water valve to prevent frozen or burst pipes. In older homes, drain the pipes completely if you’ll be gone all winter.
🔌 2. Unplug Non-Essential Appliances
Avoid electrical risks and save on phantom energy consumption. Leave fridge/freezer running if stocked — otherwise, empty and unplug.
🪟 3. Secure Windows and Shutters
Strong wind or storms are not uncommon. Close and lock all shutters to prevent broken glass or water infiltration.
🛁 4. Check for Leaks, Damp, or Cracks
Moisture is a silent enemy in many Italian homes. Check ceilings, basements, and bathrooms before leaving.
🌬️ 5. Ventilate Strategically
If you’re returning soon, leave some airflow open (via trickle vents or secured ajar windows). If you’re gone for months, better to seal and monitor humidity remotely.
🧹 Recommended Ongoing Maintenance While You’re Away
You may not be there physically, but your home still needs love.
🗓 Monthly or Bi-Monthly Checks
A local caretaker or property manager should visit regularly to:
- Air out the home to prevent mold
- Flush toilets and run taps
- Check heating systems and thermostats
- Look for signs of pests or storm damage
- Collect mail and official documents
- Test alarms and cameras
🛠 Seasonal Maintenance
- Winter (especially in Northern Italy):
- Drain external taps and irrigation systems
- Check insulation, pipes, and roof for frost damage
- Ensure heating system is in working order
- Spring/Summer Prep:
- Restart utilities
- Deep cleaning
- Garden and pool preparation
- Coordinate seasonal maintenance (gutter cleaning, pruning)
📑 Don’t Forget the Bureaucracy
While you’re away, life (and paperwork) continues in Italy.
A property manager can:
- Monitor and pay utility bills
- Handle local taxes (IMU, TARI)
- Coordinate with municipalities
- Represent you for postal or legal notifications
- Maintain relationships with neighbors or service providers
🧘♀️ Why Work With a Property Manager? Peace of Mind.
Hiring a trusted property manager (PM) means more than just home checks. It means having someone who treats your home as if it were their own — and knows exactly how to handle the quirks of Italian houses, Italian bureaucracy, and Italian workers.
Here’s what a good PM brings:
- 📍 Local expertise and a network of reliable professionals
- 📸 Detailed monthly reports with photos
- 🧰 Fast intervention in case of issues (storm, leak, break-in)
- 💬 Communication in your language
- 🗝 Full coordination of cleanings, arrivals, and maintenance
- ✅ Trusted presence — your eyes, ears, and hands in Italy
🏁 Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Home Without Worry
You bought a home in Italy to enjoy life, not to worry about pipes, paperwork, or problems.
With the right preparation — and the support of a local property manager — you can enjoy every visit with peace of mind and a warm welcome.
📞 Looking for a trusted property manager in Italy?
We connect second-home owners with reliable local professionals across Italy who handle inspections, maintenance, mail, and much more.
👉 Contact us for a free consultation — and enjoy Italy the way it was meant to be: beautiful, relaxing, and truly yours.