Frequently Asked Questions
1) Service and scope
What exactly is GARDES, and how does it differ from an alarm system or a 24-hour caretaker service?
GARDES is a comprehensive community safety service that combines a human touch with prevention and an immediate response; we do not sell alarm systems or install cameras. We aim to provide genuine peace of mind at a reasonable cost, with no hassle.
What does the standard service include?
24/7 patrols, a 24/7 contact centre, deterrent signs, monitoring of elderly residents or empty properties, and an immediate response to incidents.
Do you insure garages, storage rooms, rooftops and outdoor communal areas?
Yes. The plan is designed to cover the surroundings, access points and communal areas to ensure that safety measures are effective throughout the premises.
Do you work with large housing developments comprising several phases or blocks?
Yes. We progress through stages with rounds and protocols tailored to the specific circumstances of each access point.
Do you provide cover during holiday periods, long weekends or specific community events?
Yes. We can step up security with additional patrols when there is an increased risk (holidays, when buildings are less occupied, during removals, etc.).
2) Activation, subscription and price
How do I sign up, and how long does it take to activate?
1) Approval at the meeting.
2) A single, clear annual contract.
3) Analysis of the housing development, communal areas and dwellings.
4) The service is activated immediately following the assessment, with a personalised plan.
Is there a minimum contract period or any small print?
No. A straightforward contract, renewable annually, with no minimum contract period and no hidden terms.
What is the price?
From €25 per property per month, contracted by the residents’ association as a group.
Is it tax-deductible for the community?
Yes, it is a 100% tax-deductible expense for the community.
How does the service fit into the estate’s annual budget?
As the charge is per property per month, it makes it easier to plan and split the cost into instalments, and avoids disproportionate costs for a 24-hour caretaker service.
3) Operations and protocols
What are the patrols and 24/7 monitoring like?
Patrols and checkpoints are being organised; the control centre is always on duty and coordinates the response.
How do you respond to attempted break-ins or intrusions?
Immediate protocol is activated: deterrence/presence, coordination with security forces and guaranteed clearance (95%) within 48 hours.
What about ‘difficult neighbours’ or issues with living together?
Patrols and mediation and reporting procedures are being stepped up to reduce conflict and the number of emergency calls.
What happens if the block already has an alarm system or CCTV cameras?
We integrate with existing systems: GARDES does not rely on cameras; it adds a human presence and the ability to anticipate.
How do you manage master keys and access?
With secure storage, a register and procedures for use and return to ensure traceability and control.
4) Legal, privacy and guarantees
Do we need to install CCTV cameras? What about the LOPDGDD/GDPR?
It isn’t necessary. As we don’t use cameras, we avoid privacy concerns; we work using
a physical presence and established protocols.
What does the eviction cover?
We guarantee eviction in 95% of cases within 48 hours; the scope and exceptions are set out in the contract.
What insurance cover and liabilities does GARDES have?
100% insured service; we can provide insurance policies, occupational health and safety documentation, and regulatory compliance documentation on request.
How do you coordinate with the police/Civil Guard?
A notification and support protocol, providing operational evidence and a presence to facilitate action.
5) Community life, older people and wellbeing
Does it include care for older people or those in vulnerable situations?
Yes. Special monitoring for elderly people, those living alone, or homes left unoccupied whilst on holiday. Please see our rates for personalised services for homeowners and private residents.
Does it help improve relations between neighbours?
Yes. A visible police presence and clear protocols reduce conflicts and enhance the
sense of peace and tranquillity.
Can you help with bicycle or parcel thefts or vandalism in communal areas?
Yes. We adjust routes and put up deterrent signs; we increase services at peak times and respond to incidents.
6) Measurement, reporting and quality
Will we receive reports or KPIs?
We can provide regular reports on patrols, incidents and recommended improvements for the board.
What happens if I’m not satisfied?
Annual contract with no minimum term; we review your plan, adjust your resources or cancel the service without any penalties.
7) Special cases and scalability
Does it work in small buildings (≤10 flats) or very large ones (≥200)?
Yes. We adjust the frequency of patrols, checkpoints and reinforcements according to the level of risk and the size of the site.
What about communities with holiday rentals or a high turnover of tenants?
We have implemented access and verification protocols and stepped up monitoring at check-in and check-out.
8) Process for Administrators (B2B)
How do I introduce GARDES to my portfolio of estates?
We’ll provide you with the dossier, sales pitch and meeting invitation; our sales representative will handle everything, and you’ll take all the credit.
What documentation do you provide for tenders or audits?
Company profile, insurance, occupational health and safety, references, scope/SLAs and technical and financial proposal.
9) Sensitive questions that are best anticipated
What happens if there are already squatters or strong grounds for suspecting squatting?
We are implementing an emergency protocol and guiding you through the legal and operational steps whilst stepping up our presence.
How do you deal with false reports, threats or coercion within the community?
Escalation to the mediation protocol, registration and coordination with the authorities where necessary.
What if there’s an incident in the early hours or on a public holiday?
24/7: switchboard and operations team on duty, providing an immediate response and notifying those in charge.