The law is (mostly) on your side
Long-term rentals in Spain are governed by the LAU (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos), and it's surprisingly tenant-friendly. If your landlord is a private individual, you have the right to stay five years minimum — seven if the landlord is a company — as long as you pay on time. That clause saying 'one year, then out' mostly can't override this.
Fianza, garantías and what you actually owe upfront
The legal deposit (fianza) is one month's rent for housing — the landlord must deposit it with the regional authority. On top, they may ask for a garantía adicional (extra guarantee); one extra month is common and reasonable, three is a red flag. Since the 2023 reform, the agency fee on long-term rentals is paid by the landlord — if an agency asks you for it, question it.
The clauses to read twice
Check: the rent update clause (annual, capped and linked to the official index — since 2025 that's the new IRAV reference index, not raw CPI); who pays IBI (property tax) and community fees (legally negotiable — don't accept quietly); penalties for late payment; and the inventory. And the desistimiento clause: you can leave after six months with 30 days' notice — some contracts try to charge you months of rent for this; the law caps it.
Before you sign: the ten-minute checklist
Photograph everything (meter readings, existing damage) and attach it to the contract. Confirm the person signing is the owner or legally authorised — ask for ID and a property note (nota simple) if in doubt. Never pay a 'reservation' before seeing the flat and the contract. And make sure the address matches exactly what you'll use for empadronamiento.
How I can help
My rental contract review (€80) is a full translation plus a plain-English summary of what each clause actually means for you — before you sign. If you're mid-negotiation, I can also call the landlord or agency with you. September bookings are 50% off: WhatsApp me a photo of the contract and I'll take it from there.
Want me to handle it for you?
Fixed price agreed before we start. One message and we're on it.
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