Problems and faults in rented flats often become a real headache for tenants and landlords in Spain. Not only because of the inconvenience they inevitably cause, but often also because of the question of who is responsible for the cost of repairs. Leaving aside the latter aspect, which tends to generate a great deal of controversy and can be consulted in our guide to finding out if a tenant is liable for repairs and what repairs and maintenance landlords are responsible for, what are the problems faced by tenants in rental flats in Spain? There are some issues in Spanish rental properties that require quick intervention. What are they? With the help of the Habitissimo experts, we explain the most common problems in rented flats in Spain.
Boiler failures
Apart from forcing you to take cold showers, a boiler failure can be a real ordeal when the cold weather arrives. With no way of getting the heating to work, calling a technician should be top of your to do list.
But beforehand, you can always carry out a few simple checks. There are small problems that can be solved without having to call in a professional, such as insufficient water pressure or a blockage in the flue.
But the most important thing is prevention. It is therefore advisable to have the boiler checked annually, something that you should talk to your landord about. A small leak or malfunction repaired in time can prevent much more serious breakdowns in the future.
Plumbing problems
The list of plumbing faults can be long, but there are some particularly annoying ones, such as clogged drains, cistern problems or damp.
In some cases the solution is simple and it is enough to change a gasket if it is a dripping tap, or the flusher if it is a cistern that is not working. Meanwhile, small blockages can be solved with a manual or liquid plunger. But sometimes the work of a professional is necessary. One example is those clogs, which cannot be cleared with the tools we have at home. Another is damp and leaks, which can cause damage to coatings and require masonry work.
The key to avoiding these problems as far as possible is good maintenance. Avoiding using the toilet or sink as a rubbish bin or periodically cleaning the drains are two good tips.
Household appliance faults
A problem with the fridge or washing machine is more than a nuisance and are issues that need to be fixed quickly. The list of problems is also long: faults in the electrics, gas leaks in the case of fridges, broken pumps etc.
In any of these cases, it is advisable to notify the landlord immediately so that a technical service can be called. These are usually breakdowns that require spare parts and an expert hand.
However, it never hurts to check a few things beforehand, such as that in the case of the washing machine the drain pump nor the filter is clogged. In the case of the refrigerator, the vents should be inspected, the rubbers should be checked for wear and tear, and there should be no dust on the rear grill or ice on the evaporator.
Electrical faults
Electrical faults in your Spanish rental can be very frightening. After all, a short circuit can be dangerous and a power failure is a real disaster if the refrigerator stops working, for example.
Most of these faults are due to the age of the installation or poor maintenance. And the repair can be costly. But sometimes the solution is much simpler, whether the contracted power is insufficient or a bad connection causes the differential to trip.
In any case, it should never be forgotten that the responsibility for the good condition and correct maintenance of a rented flat lies with both the landlord and the tenant. Nor should it be overlooked that, depending on the type of fault, the repair will be the responsibility of one or the other.
