There's a lot more to Keyholding than just sticking a bunch of keys in an office drawer and forgetting about them until they're needed. Professional Keyholding comes with a lot of responsibility. We’re not Estate Agents or Builders, who “also do Keyholding”. We’re professional, experienced Keyholders. It’s what we do. Perhaps even more importantly, this is what we don't do:
We no longer offer ‘Keyholding Only’ (without Inspections) packages. Vacant properties need to be regularly inspected. This isn’t just for your peace of mind but for your neighbours and the community too. In 2022 an apartment on a Keyholding only package developed a leak which went unnoticed for weeks until it started leaking through to our client’s home below. Luckily, we spotted this during our routine inspection before it caused extensive damage, however repairs to the ceiling were still expensive and disruptive, to both properties. Not to mention an expensive water bill for the apartment above! Regular inspections identify any issues that if left undetected could cause you major problems down the line. Rodent or other animal or insect infestation, leaks, damp and mould are just some examples. Additionally, regular inspections of your property greatly increases the security of it and leaves you much less vulnerable to squatters and burglary. Keyholding only deals are irresponsible.
We won’t place ‘Managed By’ stickers in your window or on your post-box, advertising to the whole world that your property is unoccupied. We don't think this is either sensible or responsible. We're here to look after your property, not advertise our business.
We won’t inspect your property at the exact same day and time every month. Thieves will watch properties and select ones with the most predictable patterns of when people come and go. We’re not going to make it that easy for them.
We won’t charge you for unscheduled checks on your property following storms or other extreme weather, no matter what plan you are on. Anyone that remembers the devastating Gota Fría storm in 2019 will know just how reassuring that is for our clients.
We won’t ever send someone you don’t know into your home to inspect it. Our property inspections are only ever conducted by ourselves; Joanne and Steve. Handing over the keys to your property is a big deal and you must have 100% trust that whoever holds them, does so responsibly. We always encourage you to meet us first for a friendly chat before signing up for any of our services. Then you’ll know who we are and exactly who has access to your property.
We won’t leave you wondering if your property has been checked or not. All our inspections are conducted using our in-house developed inspection app which instantly emails you a digital report. Further, all HomeMaid clients have exclusive access to our Client App, which gives you up-to-minute information about your property inspections, plus allows you to notify us of arrivals, check meter readings and book additional services.
We won’t leave you in the dark. If your light bulbs blow, we will replace them as part of your regular inspection.
We won’t put you or your guests at risk. We check your fire extinguishers and test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries if necessary, as part of our regular inspections. We also offer all our clients a FREE smoke. heat and carbon monoxide detector assessment.
We won’t just hand out your keys to anyone that asks for them. We only release your keys to a third-party upon your specific instructions, and only then after they have agreed to our Terms & Conditions and signed the keys out using the touch pad on our Keyholding app.
We won’t sell you a house or build you an extension. We’re not Estate Agents or builders, who “also do Keyholding”. We’re professional Keyholders. It’s what we do.