Renting a place can be a beautiful moment, especially if you're planning a move to Spain. A new neighbourhood, a new house, brand new projects... Yet it can become a real headache if things don't go according to plan. Always ask questions and research issues before signing the rental agreement and avoid any potential risks. Here are some questions we recommend asking yourself and the landlord before you start renting in Spain.
1. How much is the monthly rent?
This is, a priori, the most important question, as this determines how much your home will cost. How much will the rent cost? Moreover, consider additional costs, such as "comunidad" community fees, electricity, gas, water bills, etc.
2. What is included in the rent?
In addition to the monthly rent, you should know what other expenses are included and not included in the price. For example, who pays the "comunidad" (community fees), the central heating or hot water, electricity, WiFi, property tax, etc.? Clear up all these matters to be sure you don't have any nasty surprises.
3. Are utilities already set up?
Your utilities (water, electricity, gas) must be set up before you move in. Otherwise, the property will unliveable and, therefore, unsuitable for renting. Once you sign the rental agreement, you have to transfer the title holder of the utilities, according to what you have agreed with the landlord.
4. What type of rental agreement will be signed?
There are several types of rental agreements, each with its own characteristics. You must know about the different agreement types before you sign one.
5. What is the rental agreement's duration?
Rental agreements can vary in length. The most common agreements are for one year, two years or three years, which can be extended. According to the law, for permanent rental, the length of time you can rent is agreed between you and the landlord. If you decide to rent for less than five years (or less than seven years if the landlord is a company), the lease will automatically renew every year until it reaches at least five years (or seven years if the landlord is a company), unless you give the landlord at least thirty days' notice that you do not wish to renew.
6. Are pets allowed?
If you want to move into a rented flat with a pet, you should ask the landlord if they accept. If not, the landlord can terminate the agreement. If you've already signed the agreement, check if there is a clause forbidding it. If not, you cannot be evicted for having a pet.
7. Is smoking allowed in the flat?
Another common clause states whether smoking is permitted in the flat or not. Make sure this is included in the rental agreement.
8. Are there any other costs besides the deposit?
Besides the deposit, which is one month when renting a regular property, there may be other costs, such as an additional guarantee.
9. Who is responsible for repairs?
According to the Urban Lease Law (LAU), the landlord is usually responsible for carrying out repairs needed to maintain the property habitable, unless the tenant causes the deterioration. The tenant must notify the landlord if repairs are needed and allow the landlord to check the property's condition.
If repairs are urgently needed to prevent serious damage, the tenant may carry them out after notifying the landlord and then request reimbursement of the costs. However, include as many details in the agreement as possible, and ask before moving into the flat.
10. Is the property furnished or unfurnished?
This is especially useful for people who rent without being able to view the property beforehand, for example, students. Even if the property listing includes photos with furniture, it is best to ask just in case. The photos might be old.
11. Is the property in good condition?
Make sure you inspect the property 'in situ' before signing the rental agreement. Check that the house is in good condition with no serious damage.
12. Is it noisy?
If the property is in an urban area, you must check for noise problems. Try to visit the property when you think it might be noisy.
13. Is parking included?
Ask if parking is included, especially if you have a car. A parking space is usually charged separately, but each case is different. If there is no parking, ideally go to the area where the flat is located for several days and see how difficult it is to park there.
14. Are there green areas or parks nearby?
If you have children, you might want to find out whether there are green areas or parks nearby.
15. Are there primary or secondary schools nearby?
If you have school-aged children, you should check if there are primary or secondary schools in the neighbourhood or whether they have their own school bus service if they are far away.
16. Which supermarkets or shops are nearby?
It is a good idea to ask which shops and supermarkets are close to the property. It will make your new life a lot easier!
17. What public transport is available?
You should ask if the public transport system works well in the area or you could lose a lot of time. Are there buses? Metro? Train? Ask around and find out.
18. Are there leisure activities nearby?
If you like clubbing, going to the cinema, museums or other leisure activities, you should check and ask what's on in the area or how far they are from the flat you like.
19. Will you be sharing with anyone?
This question is relevant when renting a room or moving into a shared flat. If there are other tenants, talk to them and find out their views about the flat, the landlord, the neighbourhood and anything else you think is relevant.
20. Are you sure you want to live in that area?
Be sure to visit the area before signing the rental agreement. You will live in the house for a long time, and should know as much as possible to avoid frustration and problems. Walk around the streets and ask the residents about the neighbourhood – is it close to your work or school? Is it dangerous? It may seem a bit much, but it can make all the difference between a pleasant few years and a nightmare.
21. Can you afford the rent?
This is something you should ask yourself. Calculate your monthly expenses to make sure you can afford the rent and have some extra money for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise.
22. Is there a penalty clause for withdrawal?
The LAU allows the tenant to leave the rented property after six months if 30 days' notice is given to the landlord. However, a clause may state that the tenant must compensate the landlord with an amount equivalent to one month's rent for each year of the contract that remains to be fulfilled. For periods less than one year, a proportional part of the compensation will be due. Make sure you ask.
23. What are the community rules and regulations?
"Community" rules are usually set by the board of owners or the building manager and sometimes address issues such as noise, parking, use of common areas, rubbish and other issues related to coexistence. Understanding these rules is essential so that you comply with them during your stay in the flat.
24. Are modifications to the property, such as painting the walls or hanging pictures, allowed?
In many rental agreements, the tenant can make 'cosmetic' modifications to the property, such as painting walls or hanging pictures, as long as the property is restored to its original condition before the move. However, clarify this with the landlord before changing anything to avoid disputes.
With these questions and any others you can think of, you will be better protected from potential disputes in the future. Do not dismiss any precautionary measures when it comes to renting a property.
Booking removes 4,000 Spain holiday rentals to comply with consumer laws
Booking.com has removed 4,093 tourist accommodation listings in Spain, most of which were in the Canary Islands, following a request from the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and the 2030 Agenda.
Andalusia to create police force to inspect illegal tourist flats
The President of the Andalusian Regional Government, Juanma Moreno, has announced the creation of the "Titan Group," a unit within the national police dedicated to monitoring and inspecting illegal tourist accommodation.
Could holiday rentals disappear in Spain?
Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni has announced that the city will withdraw all 10,101 tourist accommodation licences by November 2028. The aim, according to the city council, is to free up homes for residential use and improve access to housing. However, the measure has sparked swift backlash from the sector, which sees it as a blow to a well-established economic model.
Country houses exempt from Spain's new tourist rental register
Rural houses already registered on regional tourism registries are exempt from the new Single Register of Short-Term Rentals starting 1 July. This was confirmed by the Spanish Rural Tourism Association (Asetur) after meetings with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda.
Spain’s new short-term rental registry explained
Spain has introduced a new short-term rental registry to regulate tourist accommodations. Property owners must now register rentals with regional authorities, ensuring compliance with safety and zoning rules. The move aims to improve oversight, combat illegal listings, and protect long-term housing availability for residents.
How does the CPI affect rent updates in Spain in 2025?
Article 18 of the Spanish Urban Leases Act (LAU) outlines, among other provisions, the procedure for updating a property's rent. Although the LAU states that, in the absence of a specified index, the Competitiveness Guarantee Index (IGC in Spanish) will apply, the most commonly used benchmark for rent adjustments is the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Renting a room in Madrid: costs and insider tips
Opting for a room in a shared apartment goes miles beyond saving money by splitting rent and bills. With the rising rental prices in Madrid, coliving is part housing solution, part social adventure—an experience as unpredictable as the city itself. You’ll cross paths with people you might never otherwise meet—future best mates, language partners, or even just expert locals who know the best menú del día spots.