Short let or long term

There are two types of rentals in Spain: short term and long term. Short term rentals are basically designed for holiday makers and come with contracts headed by the phrase "Por Temporada", which translates literally as "seasonal". Long term rentals contracts are headed by the word "Vivienda", which means "home" or "residence" and are designed for those planning to stay long term in this country.

As a potential tenant, it is important that you understand the difference between the two types of rental properties and their contracts as your rights differ in each case. For example, if you are planning to stay in Spain for a few years at least, and you sign a short term contract for nine months, you might find yourself looking for a new home when the contract ends. However, if, knowing that you intend to stay here for some time, you sign a "Vivienda" contract, you will automatically have the right to renew for five consecutive years. During this time, rent can only be raised to accommodate inflation.

Deposits

You might be asked to make a deposit when you rent, and this is in keeping with Spanish law, which permits the landlord to ask for one month's rent for unfurnished quarters and two months' for business space and furnished homes.

Disputes

If you hold a long term rental contract and feel that you are not being treated fairly, visit the nearest municipal consumers' office (OMIC - Oficina Municipal de Información del Consumidor). Here you should be able to present your case to someone knowledgeable in consumer affairs and obtain advice. Personnel at these offices can also help you to take complaints through the appropriate channels. To help them help you, bring your rental contract with you and any receipts or other documents that could be of use

Renting your property out in Spain

Renting out your property in Spain comes with the same pros and cons you might find anywhere: you have the opportunity to pay for and even make money on your investment, but you run the risk of running into less than respectful renters.

If you want to delegate the renting of your property, it is a good idea to hire the services of a Spanish estate agent. Most inmobiliarias are prepared to take care of all the legalities of renting accommodation in exchange for a percentage of the weekly or monthly rent if you want to rent short term (for which you will need a licence as authorities no longer turn a blind eye to holiday renting), or in exchange of the equivalent of one month's rent (which the tenant pays directly to the agency) if you are going to rent your property long-term (i.e. for at least one year).

Most estate agents employ agents who speak English and other European languages, depending on the area, and they take care of showing the property to potential tenants which is ideal if you do not live in Spain or don't want the hassle of having to show people around yourself. They will also draw up the contract for you, according to your terms and Spanish law.