Securing your home before a long absence

Leaving a house empty for weeks or months is when security matters most. A property that looks abandoned attracts attention. Doors that rattle, windows that open easily, or locks that are visibly worn invite trouble. If you own a second home on the Mediterranean coast or are relocating temporarily, securing it properly before you go takes a few hours and saves you months of worry.

The key is not to make your home impenetrable—that's impossible—but to make it obviously not worth the effort. A burglar will move to an easier target. This guide walks you through the practical checks and actions you need before you lock the door for the last time.

What to do right now

Before you book your departure, spend an afternoon on these six checks:

1. Test every external lock. Front door, back door, garage door, side gate. Turn the key in each one, twice. It should turn smoothly and require real force to open. If a lock sticks, grinds, or opens with barely a turn, note it down—this is not a job to leave unfixed.

2. Check every window. Open and close each one. Make sure window locks engage fully and turn without excessive force. In older Spanish properties, window locks (often European-style cylinder locks) sometimes jam or sit loose. A loose window lock is as good as no lock.

3. Walk around the outside of the house. Look for cracks in walls, loose bars on windows, damaged shutters, or gaps around door frames. You're looking for obvious weaknesses that would make entry easier.

4. Inspect your shutters (persianas). Close them fully and lock them. If you have electrical shutters, test the manual override (usually a small red handle or key slot). Make sure they're not so worn that they rattle or open from wind.

5. Check the consumer unit (cuadro eléctrico). Make sure you know where it is and that it's clearly labelled. You'll want to know which circuits control what before you go. Don't touch it, but know its location.

6. Make a list of the problems you found. Faulty lock? Broken window catch? A shutter that won't close? Add it to your notes. You'll address these before you leave.

Why locks and windows fail on long-term empty homes

Locks deteriorate from salt air, moisture and disuse. On the Mediterranean coast, a lock that worked fine in winter can seize or corrode over summer. Windows stick from paint settling or frame movement. Shutters get stuck from dust and salt spray accumulation.

The second reason properties get broken into is that empty homes look empty. Shutters closed permanently, no lights, post piling up, unmown garden. To a burglar, these are invitations. To neighbours, an empty house that looks cared for is less likely to attract attention—even if it's actually empty.

Fixing locks and windows before you leave

If you found problems in your checks above, don't ignore them. Call a locksmith now. Do not wait until the week you're leaving, when appointments will be booked up.

A locksmith can:

• Replace a worn cylinder lock (bombín) in most doors in under an hour. This is cheap and makes a huge difference.
• Repair a stiff window lock without replacing the whole window.
• Advise on reinforcing a weak door frame or upgrading an old lock to a higher security standard.

If a lock is simply stiff or sticky, ask the locksmith whether it needs replacing or just a clean and lubrication. Sometimes a stuck lock is salvageable. Sometimes it's a sign the whole mechanism is near the end of its life and should be replaced before you go.

On the Mediterranean coast, saltwater air corrodes locks faster than inland. If your property is within 500 metres of the sea, expect locks to need attention every 5–7 years. Brass or stainless-steel locks last longer than plated steel.

Safe temporary fixes for minor issues

If you've discovered a problem but the locksmith can't come until after you've left, or if you're leaving within days:

For a sticking lock: Apply a dry lubricant spray (like PTFE-based lock spray, not oil) into the keyhole and work the key in and out gently. Never force a key. If it doesn't free up, stop and call the locksmith.

For a loose window catch: Tighten the mounting screws with a screwdriver. Check both sides of the catch. If screws are stripped or missing, replace them with slightly larger screws of the same type (your locksmith can advise on parts).

For a rattling shutter: Check the bottom runners are clear of debris. Brush out any dust or salt deposits. Spray with dry lubricant. If the shutter still rattles after cleaning, it may need adjustment or repair by a locksmith or handyman.

For a door that won't close properly: Check the hinges. Tighten the hinge screws. If the door still doesn't close, the frame may have settled. This needs a professional—don't force it.

These are containment measures only. When you return, arrange for a proper repair. Don't leave for months with a known security weakness in the hope it will fix itself.

When NOT to try fixing it yourself

Do not attempt to replace a lock yourself unless you have done it before on an identical lock. Locks are more complex than they appear, and an incorrectly fitted lock can jam the door or leave it insecure.

Do not force a stiff lock or window. Forcing can break the mechanism entirely, which then leaves that entry point completely unsecured.

Do not remove or disable alarms or security sensors to try to troubleshoot them. If you have an alarm system, test it before you leave and contact the company if it's not working properly.

Do not leave a door or window open to "air out" the property if you're leaving for weeks. You're simply leaving it unlocked.

Call a locksmith immediately if:

• A door lock won't turn at all, even gently.
• A window is cracked or won't close fully.
• A shutter is jammed and won't move.
• You've lost or misplaced keys.
• The lock shows visible rust or corrosion.

What to do with doors, windows and shutters

Close all windows and doors fully. This matters even if they're locked. A window that appears open will draw attention.

Lock all windows and doors, then check them again. Check from the outside. Close your eyes and imagine you're walking past your house. Does anything look loose, rattly, or obviously insecure?

Close and lock your shutters. If you have electrical shutters, close them. If you have manual shutters (persianas), close them all the way down and engage the lock. Shutters that are half-open or missing the lock look suspicious and can be opened from outside in seconds.

If you have bars on windows (rejas), make sure they're secure and the lock works. Test it twice. Bars are excellent security but only if they're properly locked.

The role of the consumer unit and electricity

Before you leave, do not turn off the main electricity switch and leave it off. This sounds safe, but it's not. Here's why:

If there's an electrical fault while you're away (a loose wire, a tripped RCD, a short circuit), your home has no protection. If a neighbour or contractor needs to access your property in an emergency, they can't turn on lights. If you have an alarm system, it may lose backup power.

Instead:

1. Leave the main switch (ICP) on, so the electrical system is active.
2. Turn off individual appliances at the wall (boiler, air conditioning, water heater). Unplug non-essential items like phone chargers and coffee makers.
3. Leave one or two lights on a timer if you have one, so the house isn't completely dark at night (this deters burglars).
4. Ask a trusted neighbour to check the house every 1–2 weeks and turn lights on manually if there's a power cut.

If you have an RCD (residual current device) or differential switch in your consumer unit, don't turn it off. This is a safety device, not a power switch.

Before you lock the door for the last time

Make a final checklist:

• All windows closed and locked. ✓
• All doors closed and locked. ✓
• Shutters closed and locked. ✓
• Garage door or side gates locked. ✓
• No visible signs of damage or loose security fittings. ✓
• Main electricity on (ICP switch on). ✓
• Essential appliances off at the wall. ✓
• Keys secured (not left hidden under a pot or loose in the house). ✓
• Neighbours or property manager informed. ✓

Lock the front door last and use a door closer if you have one. If you don't have a door closer and the door swings open easily, this is worth installing before you go. A door closer ensures the door closes firmly every time, without relying on a draft or manual effort.

Tell someone you're leaving

This is critical and often overlooked. Before you depart:

1. Give a trusted neighbour a copy of your mobile number. Tell them you're leaving for X weeks and ask them to call if they notice anything odd.

2. Contact your town hall (ayuntamiento) and ask if they have a holiday watch scheme. Some Spanish municipalities will increase police patrols in your area if you formally notify them.

3. Ask your local locksmith for their emergency number. If something goes wrong and a neighbour spots a break-in or security issue, they can call a local tradesperson immediately.

4. If you have a property manager or rental agent, make sure they know your dates and have authority to enter if there's an emergency.

5. Inform your home insurance company if you're leaving for more than a month. Some policies require specific measures (like monthly checks) for extended absences. Failure to follow these requirements could void a claim.

What to do when you return

When you get back, check everything again:

• All locks turn smoothly.
• No windows are loose or damaged.
• Shutters open and close properly.
• No signs of attempted entry (scratches around locks, crowbar marks, broken glass).
• Electrics are functioning normally.

If you notice anything odd, don't assume it's normal wear. Have a locksmith or handyman inspect it. It's easier and cheaper to find a problem early than to discover later that a lock has been tampered with.

How to stop security problems from happening again

After your return, establish a routine:

• Every 6 months, test all locks and windows. Turn each key or catch twice.
• Annual locksmith check-up (usually €60–100) is cheaper than replacing a lock after it fails completely.
• Replace locks every 5–7 years on properties in coastal areas. Salt air corrodes them faster than inland.
• Maintain shutters by cleaning runners and checking locks quarterly.
• Keep spare keys (but not in obvious hiding places) with a trusted neighbour or in a secure lockbox, not loose in drawers.

Leaving a home empty for months is never completely risk-free, but a secured home with working locks, closed windows and shutters, and informed neighbours is a home that's genuinely harder to target. The locksmith's visit now is an investment. The hour you spend checking everything before you leave is an hour of peace of mind while you're away.

If you've found problems during your security check, don't delay. Contact a locksmith on the Mediterranean coast to arrange repairs before you depart. A professional locksmith can also advise on upgrades suited to your specific property and location—especially important if you own a holiday home in a coastal area where salt air accelerates wear.

Safe travels, and a secure home waiting for your return.