Renting in Spain with pets is absolutely possible, but it isn’t always straightforward. The law gives landlords quite a bit of freedom, and much depends on what’s written into the contract.
If you’re moving to Spain with a dog or cat, it’s less about what you assume is allowed and more about what’s clearly agreed on paper.
Can landlords refuse pets in Spain?
There is no automatic legal right for a tenant to keep pets in a rented property in Spain. While Spanish legislation does not expressly prohibit animals in rental homes, it also does not oblige landlords to accept them.
The key piece of legislation is the Urban Lease Law (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos), which makes clear that residential tenancies are largely governed by the agreements and clauses set out by the parties.
- If the landlord includes a clause banning pets, it is legally valid.
- If the agreement contains no express prohibition, pets are not automatically forbidden.
Termination of the contract for breaching a no-pets clause
If a tenant keeps a pet despite an express ban, that is a breach of contract. A landlord may seek termination of the contract for non-compliance with contractual obligations. In practical terms, that can mean eviction proceedings.
Does the new animal welfare law change rental rules?
Spain’s newer animal welfare legislation strengthens obligations around responsible ownership and protection of animals. However, it does not override private rental agreements. It regulates how animals must be treated, not whether a landlord must accept them in a rented property.
Are dogs allowed in apartments in Spain?
Dogs and cats are part of everyday life in Spanish cities, and many people keep them quite happily in flats. The real dividing line is between what your landlord allows in the tenancy agreement and what the building itself regulates through its internal rules.
Most apartment blocks are run by a comunidad de propietarios (community of owners). These communities can set statutes governing how common areas are used, including lifts, stairwells and shared patios. Recent case law, including a Spanish court backing a pet ban in a residential building, has shown that community rules can carry significant weight in certain circumstances.
What if a pet is a nuisance?
Even if your contract allows pets, problems can arise if the animal causes serious disturbance. A landlord can terminate the contract if damaging, unhealthy, harmful or dangerous activities are carried out in the property.
In extreme cases, persistent barking, aggression or significant damage could fall into this category.
Renting in Spain with pets: typical costs and financial considerations
Having a pet can affect the financial side of renting. Standard long-term rentals require one month’s fianza (legal security deposit). When pets are involved, landlords often ask for:
- An extra month’s deposit
- A higher overall guarantee
- Evidence of liability insurance
How much more does renting with pets in Spain cost?
There is no fixed surcharge across the country. It depends on the city and rental pressure, the type of property and the landlord’s level of caution, but it's wise to factor in at least one additional month’s deposit as a working assumption.
In high-demand areas such as central Madrid, you are more likely to see stricter conditions. In smaller cities or suburban areas, landlords can be more flexible.
How to find pet-friendly apartments in Spain
Rental pressure varies significantly across the country. What feels impossible in central Barcelona may be much more achievable in smaller cities in the north.
Pet-friendly apartments in Madrid
In the capital, using the correct filters makes a real difference. Central districts tend to be tighter on supply, while suburban areas often offer more space and slightly more flexibility.
Pet-friendly apartments in Barcelona
Pet-friendly listings exist, especially in outer districts or ground-floor flats with terraces, though landlords in the city centre tend to be more cautious and often ask for a higher deposit.
Pet-friendly apartments in Valencia
Valencia's rental market is still competitive, but you’ll usually find more flexibility than in Barcelona, particularly in neighbourhoods slightly outside the historic centre.
Pet-friendly rentals in Northern Spain
Northern Spain generally has lower rental pressure than Madrid or Barcelona, especially outside major urban centres. Cities like Santander, A Coruña or smaller towns in the Basque Country may provide more room, both literally and contractually.
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