In depth
Looking after a home in Cuba: climate, caretakers, maintenance cycles and who is responsible
Owning or occupying a home in a tropical, salty and storm-prone country means regular maintenance. In Cuba, that task is made harder by shortages of materials, the ageing of buildings and the distances between owners and their properties. This guide describes what property management means in the Cuban context: the climate-driven maintenance calendar, the role of caretakers and neighbours, utilities and billing, insurance, and the rules about using a home for rent or business. It does not offer management services.
Climate is the first manager
Heat, humidity, salt air and heavy rain work constantly on buildings. Paint peels, wood swells, metal rusts, and mould grows on walls and ceilings. Termites, known locally as comején, attack timber. Roofs, especially flat concrete roofs, develop cracks that let water in, and balconies suffer from corroding reinforcement. A home left unattended for a few months can deteriorate noticeably.
The practical lesson is that preventive maintenance saves money: repainting before paint fails, sealing the roof before the rains, treating timber against termites and clearing drains before storms. A simple annual calendar tied to the seasons is an effective management tool.
A maintenance calendar
In the dry season, from November to April, owners can inspect and repair roofs, repaint exteriors and fix cracks. Before the hurricane season begins in June, they check shutters, secure loose items, clean gutters and stock basic supplies. During the rainy season, they watch for leaks and damp and keep drains clear. After a storm, they inspect for damage and report it to the authorities and, if insured, to the insurer. Plumbing and electrical systems should be checked each year.
Caretakers, neighbours and absent owners
Many owners live abroad or in another city and rely on a relative, a neighbour or a paid caretaker to look after the property. Trust is central. A reliable caretaker can open windows to air the house, pay bills, deal with minor repairs and report problems. Owners should put the arrangement in writing, define the tasks and payment, and keep a record of work done. Giving a caretaker unrestricted authority over the property or access to money creates risk.
In apartment buildings, the neighbours who share common spaces are part of the management picture. Repairs to roofs, stairs and water systems are often agreed among residents, and the lack of formal associations in many buildings means that goodwill matters.
Utilities and billing
Electricity, water and gas are billed by state companies. Electricity is metered, and bills are paid at offices or through authorised channels. Because outages and voltage fluctuations occur, appliances can be damaged, and owners use voltage regulators and surge protection. Water supply may be intermittent, so homes have tanks and pumps. Cooking gas is commonly supplied in cylinders or through piped networks in some areas. An owner who is away should arrange for bills to be paid and for utilities to be left in a safe state.
Insurance
Property insurance in Cuba is offered by the state insurer, with policies for homes and contents. Coverage, conditions and exclusions vary, and claims after hurricanes have been a subject of discussion. An owner should read the policy, keep an inventory with photographs and know the claims procedure. Foreign owners or occupants should also check whether their home-country insurance extends to Cuban property, which it usually does not.
Using a home for rent or business
Renting rooms or a home to tourists requires a licence, and the activity is taxed. Running a business from a home also needs authorisation, and the rules differ depending on the type of activity. An owner who plans to earn income from a property should obtain the correct permits, keep records and pay taxes. Unlicensed activity risks fines and closure.
This page is a general description. It does not offer property management, does not endorse caretakers or agents and does not give legal advice.
A hurricane checklist for absentee owners
When a storm is forecast, an owner who lives elsewhere should contact the caretaker or neighbour and agree on actions. Secure doors and windows, remove loose objects from terraces and roofs, cut off electricity at the main switch if flooding is expected, store important documents in waterproof containers, fill water tanks and photograph the property before the storm. After the storm, ask for an inspection and photographs, report damage to the authorities and the insurer and arrange urgent repairs, particularly to roofs. Keeping a stock of tarpaulins and basic tools helps.
Pests and prevention
Tropical homes attract pests. Termites eat wood, cockroaches and ants invade kitchens, rats enter through gaps and mosquitoes breed in standing water. Prevention includes keeping drains clear, covering water tanks, sealing gaps, storing food in closed containers and periodic fumigation. Wooden furniture and beams should be inspected and treated. Fumigation campaigns by health authorities help in neighbourhoods, and owners can contract treatments for their own homes.
Mosquito control is important for health, as dengue and other diseases circulate in the region.
Paperwork calendar
An owner's year includes payments and renewals: electricity and water bills, taxes where applicable, licences for rental activity, insurance renewals and registration updates. Keeping a calendar with due dates and copies of receipts avoids penalties and disputes. If a caretaker handles payments, ask for receipts and review them regularly. Keep a file of all documents in a safe place and give a trusted person access.
Budgeting for the year
A realistic annual budget for a home includes routine repairs, painting, pest treatment, utilities, insurance, caretaker pay and a reserve for emergencies. In older or coastal buildings, set aside a larger share. Costs of materials are volatile, so update the budget regularly. An owner who budgets for maintenance avoids the larger cost of neglect.
This page does not manage properties or provide caretakers.
Hiring and supervising a caretaker
A caretaker is often the key to a property's wellbeing, so the choice deserves care. Look for someone who lives nearby, is trusted by the community, has practical skills and is reliable. Agree a written list of tasks, such as opening windows to air the house weekly, checking for leaks after rain, paying bills, cleaning, gardening and reporting problems, as well as the pay and its frequency. Provide a small budget for minor purchases with receipts. Check in regularly by phone or video, and ask for photographs. Treat the caretaker fairly and with respect, since good people stay when they feel valued.
Supervision need not mean suspicion. A simple monthly routine of review, photographs and accounts builds trust on both sides and catches issues early.
Remote monitoring: possibilities and limits
Technology offers tools for watching a property from afar, such as cameras, door sensors, leak detectors and temperature monitors. In Cuba, their use is limited by unreliable electricity and internet, by import restrictions on some equipment and by privacy rules. Cameras that record neighbours or public space may cause friction. Battery-powered devices with local storage can work where connectivity is poor. Even the best technology cannot repair a leak, so a human contact on the spot remains essential.
Turnover between guests
For homes that are rented, the work between guests is a routine of its own. It includes inspecting the home for damage or missing items, stripping and washing linen, cleaning bathrooms and kitchen, replacing supplies, checking appliances and taking out rubbish. A checklist posted in the kitchen helps whoever does the turnover. With frequent rentals, plan for linen to be washed by hand or by machine and for drying in humid weather. Keeping a spare set of bedding allows quick changeovers.
Good relations with neighbours
A property sits in a community, and the neighbours are its first line of watchfulness. Introduce yourself or your representative, share contact numbers and keep them informed of visits and works. Noise, parking and rubbish are common sources of friction, and prompt attention keeps relations warm. A small gesture, such as sharing fruit or a gift at holidays, helps. Neighbours who like you will keep an eye on your house.
This page does not manage properties.
Handing over a property to a new manager or caretaker
When responsibility for a home passes to someone new, a clear handover prevents gaps. Walk through the property together, noting the condition of each room, fixtures and appliances. Hand over keys, record who else has copies, and explain the quirks of the house: which switch controls what, how the pump works, where the main valve is. Provide contact numbers for trades, the owner and neighbours. Agree tasks, reporting and pay in writing. Review after the first month.
When to call a professional and when to do it yourself
Some tasks are suited to a competent householder: painting, cleaning gutters, unblocking drains, tightening fittings, replacing bulbs and basic garden care. Others need professionals: structural repairs, electrical rewiring, gas installations, major plumbing and roof waterproofing. Errors in the second group can be dangerous and costly. If unsure, ask a tradesperson to assess the problem first. Keep contacts of reliable electricians, plumbers, masons and carpenters.
Common questions
- What does the climate do to buildings?
- Heat, humidity, salt and rain cause rust, mould, leaks and termite damage unless maintained.
- When should roofs be repaired?
- Ideally in the dry season, before the rains and hurricanes.
- Who insures homes?
- The state insurer offers home policies; read the conditions.
- Do I need a licence to rent a room?
- Yes. Renting to tourists requires a licence and the income is taxed.
- Do you manage properties?
- No. This page is information only.
- How often should a caretaker visit an empty home?
- At least once a week, and daily during storm alerts. Regular visits detect leaks and intrusions early and keep the home ventilated.
- Should I pay a caretaker monthly or per task?
- A fixed monthly amount for routine duties plus separate payment for repairs and special tasks works well. Agree in writing.
- Who is responsible if something is stolen?
- The owner and any insurer, depending on policy terms. Good security and trusted staff reduce risk. Discuss responsibilities in advance.
- What should I put in a handover note for a caretaker?
- Include a list of tasks, contact numbers, the location of main switches and valves, the schedule of bills, instructions for storms, where spare keys and tools are, and the owner's expectations on reporting. Keep it short and clear, and update it each year.
Official sources and where to go next
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