Looking after your Sunny Beach flat in winter: how not to come back to damp and bills
Many owners of apartments in Sunny Beach and Sveti Vlas live in other countries and only come in summer. From October to May the flat sits empty β and that's exactly when problems start: damp and mould, a leak from the neighbours upstairs, a tripped fuse, a pile of unpaid bills. Apartment caretaking solves this with short, regular visits.
What the caretaker does
- Visits on a schedule β for example weekly or every two weeks.
- Checks for leaks, damp and mould, and that windows and doors are sound.
- Airs the flat and, if needed, runs a dehumidifier or the heating.
- Reads the water and electricity meters and collects the post.
- Sends a photo report after every visit.
Bills and access
Paying the electricity and water bills, and the complex's annual maintenance fee, can be handed over too, but agree the terms and access to the flat separately and in advance. Keys are usually handed over in person or left with the complex's management company.
Getting ready for the season
In spring, before you arrive or start letting the flat, it's worth preparing it: a deep clean, cleaning the air conditioners, checking the water heater and appliances, plus the garden and pool if there are any. It's all easy to book ahead, before you've even arrived.
What to agree before the first visit
The frequency β once a week or once a fortnight; exactly what is checked and what happens if something is wrong, for instance whom to call about a leak from upstairs; how the keys are handed over β in person or through the complex's management company; and what the report looks like β photos after every visit are the normal practice here. If you entrust the bills too, say which ones and how they are to be accounted for. The price follows whether it is a one-off or regular upkeep, how much is checked, and whether the complex is gated or out of town.
How to close the flat for the winter
Looking after a flat is easier when it has been shut up properly: the water off, the textiles washed and stored dry, the appliances unplugged and the state of the flat photographed β those photos are the starting point in spring. The full step-by-step list is in opening and closing a holiday flat for the season.
Common questions
How much does looking after a flat in Sunny Beach cost? It depends on how often the visits are, how much is checked and whether the complex is gated. Providers send a quote with a price after your description β you compare and choose.
How often should an empty flat be checked? The usual schedule is once a week or once a fortnight β enough to catch a leak or mould in time, before it gets expensive.
How do I hand over the keys if I am abroad? In person on your last visit, or through the complex's management company. Agree it in advance and put it in the request.
Can the same person get the flat ready for the season? Often yes β a deep clean, cleaning the air conditioners and checking the appliances before the first guests. Book it ahead, before you arrive.
How to book on Helply
Describe the flat, how often you want visits and what should be checked β providers in Sunny Beach will send offers with a price within 5β15 minutes. You agree directly, with no prepayment or fees.
Read next: apartment cleaning in Sunny Beach and air conditioner repair and cleaning. Every service is on the Sunny Beach page.