The full guide
What do landlords ask for?
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport or TIE | And your NIE if you have one |
| Proof of income | Recent payslips, an employment contract, or bank statements |
| Tax return | Your last Spanish or home-country return, especially if you’re self-employed |
| Guarantor or extra guarantee | Sometimes asked for if you don’t have Spanish income |
| References | From a previous landlord, if you have them |
If you’re a remote worker or retiree without Spanish payslips, a clear pack with bank statements, your visa approval and a letter from your employer or pension provider helps a lot.
What can a landlord legally charge?
| Cost | Rule for a long-term home rental |
|---|---|
| Deposit (fianza) | One month’s rent, returned at the end if there’s no damage |
| Additional guarantee | Up to two months’ rent on contracts of up to five years (seven with a company landlord) |
| Agency fees | Paid by the landlord, not the tenant, under the 2023 housing law |
| Rent-default insurance | A decree in October 2026 stops landlords requiring tenants to buy it; it needs parliamentary approval, so check its status |
Long-term or seasonal contract?
A standard home rental (alquiler de vivienda habitual) gives you strong protection: you can extend year by year up to five years (seven if the landlord is a company), and you can leave after six months with 30 days’ notice. Seasonal or temporary contracts (alquiler de temporada) are for stays of up to a year for a specific reason, such as work or study, and give fewer rights. Be wary of a landlord labelling a long-term home as “seasonal” to avoid the rules.
Rent controls
Some areas, including Barcelona and much of Catalonia, are declared stressed housing markets, where rent increases and new rents can be capped. Ask the agency whether the flat is in a stressed area and whether the rent respects the reference index.
Spotting rental scams
Too good to be true. A cheap flat in a top area, with an owner who’s “abroad”, is a classic scam.
Pay to see the keys. Never pay a deposit before viewing in person or by a live video tour with someone you’ve verified.
No paperwork. Ask for the owner’s ID and a recent nota simple from the property registry. See spotting rental scams.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an NIE to rent?
Not legally, but many landlords and utility companies ask for one. You can rent with a passport and get your NIE later.
Who pays the community fees and IBI?
It depends on the contract. Usually the landlord pays community fees and property tax, but some contracts pass them on. Read the clauses.
Can the landlord raise the rent each year?
Only if the contract says so, and within the limits that apply. Updates are usually tied to an official index.
