Housing

How to rent a property in Spain

The full process of renting a home in Spain, from your first search to collecting the keys.

Best websites to find rentals in Spain

Where to search for rental properties in Spain, and how to avoid the scams that circulate on the most popular portals.

Documents you need to rent a property

What you need to rent a property in Spain and how to prepare each document.

Rental contracts: types and key clauses

Types of rental contracts in Spain and the key clauses to check before signing.

Deposits: how they work and your rights

How deposits work and your rights when renting in Spain.

Tenant rights in Spain

Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant renting in Spain.

Rent increases in Spain

How annual rent updates work during a tenancy, and the index landlords must use to calculate them.

Can a landlord ask for extra guarantees?

What a landlord can legally ask for beyond the standard deposit, and the legal limit on how much.

Ending a rental contract

How to end your tenancy early, or let it come to its natural end, without losing your deposit unfairly.

What to do if you have problems with your landlord

The right order to escalate a dispute with your landlord — from a direct conversation to formal mediation or court.

Registering at your rental address (empadronamiento)

How to register your rental address at the town hall, and what to do if your name isn't on the contract.

Buying a property in Spain

Steps, taxes and costs to expect before buying a property in Spain as a foreigner.

Costs and taxes when buying a property

The non-tax fees and overall budget to plan for on top of the purchase price when buying property in Spain.

Mortgages in Spain for foreigners

How Spanish mortgages work for foreign buyers, and what to expect if you don't yet live in Spain.

Buying property as a non-resident

What's different about buying property in Spain if you don't live there yet, including the tax obligations that follow.

Buying vs renting in Spain

How to think through whether to buy or rent when you're still new to Spain.

Setting up electricity, water, gas and internet

How to set up utilities and bills when you move into a home in Spain.

Changing the utility holder

How to transfer electricity, water, gas or internet into your own name when moving into a home in Spain.

Understanding electricity and utility bills

How to read a Spanish electricity, gas or water bill, and what each charge actually means.

Home insurance in Spain

When home insurance is required in Spain, what it typically covers, and who pays for it.

What to do if utilities are disconnected

Your rights around utility disconnection for non-payment, and what to do if your supply is cut off.

How to get your deposit back

What to do when a landlord is late returning your deposit, or is proposing deductions you don't agree with.

Repairs: who pays?

Who's responsible for repairs in a rental property — the landlord or the tenant — and what to do if something breaks.

Noise complaints and community rules

What to do about noisy neighbours in Spain, and how community living rules work in apartment buildings.

What to do if your landlord breaks the contract

Your options when a landlord fails to meet their obligations, including ending the contract and claiming compensation.

Housing scams in Spain

The most common rental and property scams targeting foreigners in Spain, and how to protect yourself.

Moving into a new home in Spain

The practical checklist for settling into a new home in Spain, from the day you get the keys.

Giving notice before leaving a rental

How much notice you need to give before moving out, depending on whether you're leaving early or at the end of your contract.

Final inspection checklist

What to check and document at your move-out inspection to protect your deposit.

Cancelling utilities when moving out

How to close or transfer your utility accounts when you leave a property, and avoid being billed after you've left.