Everything You Need to Know About Renting an Apartment in Spain

Moving to Spain is an exciting adventure, but finding the perfect apartment can feel overwhelming and honestly with agents speaking Spanish and sometimes playing on the fact you are new to the market, it can feel like a huge puzzle to put together. So whether you're searching for a short-term stay or a long-term lease, here’s everything you need to know about renting an apartment in Spain in a step by step guide!

1. Types of Rental Contracts

In Spain, rental agreements fall into two main categories:

• Short-term leases: Ideal for stays less than 12 months.

• Long-term leases: Best for those planning to settle down for a year or more. Long-term leases offer renewal options, allowing tenants to extend their stay up to 5 years.

The short-terms are great for getting settled in on arrival but in reality you might be wanting to get into a long-term and you get more security around price raises then as well.

2. Documents You'll Need

Before signing a lease, it’s important to have the necessary documentation ready and Spain can be a bit of a loop hole with all its documents sometimes. You are gonna need:

• ID or Passport: Proof of identity is required.

• NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjeros): This is your foreigner’s ID number, essential for signing contracts, setting up utilities, and managing other formalities.

• Proof of income: Landlords typically request proof that you can afford the rent, whether through pay stubs, a letter of employment, or bank statements.

• Spanish bank account: It isn't always required but I would dare to say 90% of the times it is because it makes processes far easier.

  
  

3. Where to Find Rentals

There are several ways to find apartments in Spain, including:

• Real estate agents (Inmobiliarias): They can help you navigate the market but usually charge a commission equal to one month’s rent.

• Online platforms: Websites like Idealista, Fotocasa, and Habitaclia offer a wide range of listings.

• Word of mouth: Networking through local or expat communities can uncover hidden gems.

• Facebook groups: Expat rental groups are also a useful resource.

Word of mouth and facebook groups can help you find the gems that might be getting passed between friends but Idealista is for sure the most commonly used platform across the country both for renting and buying!

4. Rental Costs and Fees

The Spanish rental market comes with upfront costs you’ll need to prepare for:

• Security deposit: Typically one to two months' rent.

• Agency fees: An additional month’s rent if you use an agent.

• Utilities: Clarify whether they are included in the rent or billed separately.

• Community fees: Additional costs for shared building maintenance or amenities.

So the Agency fee is a tricky subject, The law has recently changed around the agency fees to ensure the landlord pays and not the tennant, BUT, with a really busy market, some agents will take advantage of this and still have it as a cost. It can sometimes become a battle of how much you want the apartment vs the cost because they know others will pay the agency even if its not typically allowed.

Curious about how much it will cost to rent in your dream Spanish city? Contact me for a free consultation on how to budget your move to Spain!

5. Understanding Lease Terms

When signing a lease, pay attention to the following key details:

• Duration: Long-term leases are generally for 12 months, with the option to renew for up to five years.

• Rent increases: In Spain, rent increases are usually tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), meaning landlords can only raise the rent in line with inflation.

• Early termination: If you need to leave before your lease is up, you’ll usually need to give 30-60 days' notice. Breaking a contract early can result in losing your security deposit.

Most of these are similar to the standards of the UK but the important note is that once you have signed your long-term contract there is protection around raises of rent whilst youre in this contract, typically being the landlord can only increase with the CPI (interest rate).

6. Negotiating the Rent

In less competitive markets, you may be able to negotiate a lower rent or additional perks, such as including utilities or furniture. In areas with higher demand, such as major cities or popular coastal towns, there may be less room for negotiation.

I have got lucky in this negotiation once but I think with an ever changing market it might be becoming, harder and harder. That being said, its always worth a shot!

7. Signing the Contract

If you don’t speak Spanish fluently, consider hiring a translator or legal advisor to review your contract. Some landlords may offer bilingual contracts in both Spanish and English, but it’s always best to ensure you fully understand the terms. Additionally, conduct an inventory check before moving in to document the condition of the apartment and its furnishings.

8. Tenant Rights in Spain

Spain has tenant-friendly laws to protect renters:

• Rent control: Landlords cannot increase the rent more than the rate of inflation unless specified in the contract.

• Privacy: Your landlord must give you prior notice before entering the apartment for inspections or showings.

• Lease renewal: You have the right to renew a long-term lease for up to five years (or seven if the landlord is a company), giving you some stability in your rental arrangement.

It's really refreshing that the country tries to be renter friendly although as I mentioned it's not always seen.

9. Setting Up Utilities

In some cases, utilities like electricity, water, and gas may not be included in the rent. If that’s the case, you’ll need your NIE and probably the Spanish bank account to set up these services. Likewise these costs are sometimes part of the costs of the community (all the people who live in the building) and you will pay a share of the total.

Internet and phone services can be bundled together with providers like Movistar, Vodafone, or Orange or even consider piggy back providers like Digi or Pepephone for cheaper offers.

10. The Rental Market in Spain

The rental market can vary significantly depending on where you’re looking:

• Major cities (Madrid, Barcelona): These areas tend to have high competition and elevated prices, making it harder to find a deal.

• Coastal areas and islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Marbella): These areas are popular with tourists and expats, so expect prices to fluctuate, especially during peak seasons.

• Smaller towns and rural areas: More affordable rent and potentially more flexible lease terms, but with fewer rental options and less infrastructure.

  
  

11. Tips for Expats

For those moving to Spain from abroad, here are a few additional considerations:

• Visas and residency: Make sure your visa aligns with the length of your rental agreement. For example, if you’re on a Digital Nomad Visa, ensure your rental contract allows for long-term stays.

• Language barrier: In less touristy areas, landlords may not speak English, so brushing up on your Spanish or hiring a translator can be helpful.

• Building community: If you’re planning to establish roots or launch a community project in Spain, start by connecting with local groups, both Spanish and expat, to integrate into your new surroundings.

If you are looking for help appraising rental contracts or need Spanish support in your move to Spain feel free to schedule a free counsultation today and we can see how I can help you finalise your move!

Final Thoughts

Renting an apartment is stressful in any country but having a language barrier and different rules around renting can add a new level of stress as we feel like people might be taking advantage of us. But I promise, with some research and a bit of Spanish it will be far easier than you think! By preparing your documents, familiarising yourself with the rental market, and understanding your tenant rights, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect home in Spain.

Are you ready to take the next step? Sign up your free consultation today and let's make your move to Spain stress-free and successful. Click here to learn more!