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Owner Guides
Key Holding and Property Access in Madeira: Owner Guide
How keys, authorised access and emergency contacts can be organised clearly for a Madeira second home during an owner’s absence.
Direct answer
GNR recommends involving a trusted person during an absence and explicitly states that this person may be entrusted with a key. Owners should additionally document who has access, for what purpose and who should be contacted if an issue is found.
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Evidence base
- GNR advises keeping copies of house keys in a safe place and involving a trusted person during an absence.
- GNR holiday guidance explicitly states that a key may be entrusted to a trusted person so they can help keep an eye on the property and, for example, collect mail.
- Documenting access rights, purpose and contact routes is an organisational Anjo recommendation and is not presented here as a legal requirement.
Define access clearly
- Use only people the owner explicitly trusts and authorises.
- Record which areas may be accessed and what tasks access is intended for.
- Document key handover and return.
Set the emergency contact chain
- Keep owner and backup contact details current.
- Keep contacts for relevant contractors or building management where the owner wants them used.
- If an issue is found, document it first and act within the agreed scope.
Key security
- Store copies securely.
- Report loss or uncertain location of a key to the owner immediately.
- Do not pass on keys or access information without explicit authorisation.
Quick checklist
- Authorised keyholder designated
- Purpose of access documented
- Permitted areas/tasks clarified
- Key handover documented
- Owner contact current
- Backup/emergency contact current
- Relevant contractor contacts available
- Key copies stored securely
- No unauthorised onward sharing
- Key return/location traceable
Sources and professional basis
Note: This checklist does not replace a technical inspection, legal advice or instructions from public authorities.
Research checked: 9 August 2026
Support on the ground
If you cannot carry out the visual inspection or preparation yourself, the linked Anjo service page explains the relevant local support.
