Preparations before travelling

We bet our lease residents have many opportunities to leave your home for a long time, such as for business trips or trips outside of Santiago/Chile.

Here are some tips to help you leave your home ready to be left before your travel.
Please read through to the end to avoid any regrets when you get home!

–Turn off the water and gas mains

To prevent unexpected problems such as water or gas leaks while you are away and the resulting high utility bills, ask your building’s receptionists or manager (conserjería) on the first floor to turn off the main water and gas valves before your travels.
Particularly, many people use central heating system during winter, but it’s also an equipment that is prone to problems such as hot water usage and water leaks.
If your apartment count on it, please take precautions in advance!
*For more information about central heating system, please check this article, as well!

–Organize inside your refrigerator

In Chile, power outages can occur due to heavy rain or planned power outages.
Therefore, just in case, it’s a good idea to organize the contents of your refrigerator before going out, especially perishable foods like raw foods, vegetables, and fruits.
*If a strong odor sits inside the refrigerator, you can get additional costs discounted from the security deposit when you move out!

– Unplug unused electrical outlets

To prevent unexpected accidents, unplug all unnecessary appliances except for the refrigerator and boiler in your bathroom.
For example, there have been reported cases where hair irons left on, as well as plugged-in laptop chargers, have become overheated by electrical current and caused fires.
Furthermore, after a power outage, there is a risk that home appliances may short out due to the sudden electric current…

–Car battery measures

If you have a car, there is a risk that the battery will ran out if you leave it parked for a long period of time.
If possible, ask your friends or colleagues to run the engine and charge the battery about once a week.
If you introduce the person you’re asking the favor to the receptionists or building manager in advance, they should be able to allow him/her to enter the apartment parking lot instead of you. Please talk to your building’s receptionists or manager.
*At that point, you may be asked for the Chilean personal number (Rut/Run) or passport number of the person.

– Pay your latest utility bills

Make sure to pay your most recent utility bills, so you don’t get behind of the payments during your trips.
(If you miss your payments’ deadline, your electricity, water, and gas will be cut off, which can lead to unwanted surprises when you get home!)
In case the deadlines don’t allow you to pay before your trip, make sure if you can pay them online or from outside of Chile!

Please refer to the above so that you can enjoy your trip without any worries!