1. Can foreigners rent a home in Spain?
Yes. Anyone can rent a property in Spain, regardless of nationality or visa status.
Landlords usually ask for proof of identity (passport or NIE) and financial solvency (income, employment, or savings).
We help non-residents prepare complete rental solvency files that meet agency and owner standards.
2. How much does rent cost in Spain in 2025?
Rental prices vary by city and area:
- Madrid & Barcelona: €1,500–€2,800/month for 2–3 bedrooms.
- Valencia, Málaga, Alicante: €950–€2,500/month.
- Smaller towns or suburbs: €700–€1,500/month.
Expect higher prices for furnished homes, central locations, and modern buildings.
3. What documents do landlords or agencies require?
Typical documents include:
- Passport or NIE (mandatory to pay utility bills) copy
- Proof of income and solvency (payslips, bank statements, or pension)
- Employment or visa documentation if applicable
- Previous landlord reference (optional)
If you have no Spanish income, we help prepare alternative solvency proofs accepted by most agencies.
4. How much deposit is required to rent in Spain?
By law, landlords may request:
- 1 month deposit (refundable, held by the regional housing authority)
- 1–2 extra months as a guarantee
- Agency fee: usually one month’s rent + VAT, paid by the tenant in most regions
We always confirm the total upfront amount before signing to avoid surprises.
5. What is the typical rental contract length in Spain?
Standard residential leases run for 12 months, renewable annually for up to 5 years (7 for corporate owners) under the LAU law.
Short-term or temporary leases (under 11 months) are possible for relocation or visa purposes but must be clearly specified in the contract.
6. Can I rent remotely before arriving in Spain?
Yes. You can sign and pay remotely using a digital signature and/or Power of Attorney.
We verify properties, review contracts, and handle key-handovers to ensure you meet visa deadlines (especially for Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad Visas, which require a valid lease).
7. What’s the process for renting a property in Spain?
- Define your area, budget, and rental type.
- Shortlist and visit (or request video tours).
- Submit application and documents.
- Owner approval and contract negotiation.
- Sign digitally, transfer funds, and receive keys.
We coordinate every step and ensure the contract complies with the Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos.
8. What are the different types of rental contracts?
- Long-term (vivienda habitual): main residence, renewable up to 5 years.
- Temporary (uso distinto de vivienda): short stay for work or study.
- Corporate leases: signed by a company for employees.
We help you choose the correct format to match your visa or residency needs.
9. What should be checked before signing a rental contract?
- Property ownership (via Nota Simple)
- Duration and renewal clause
- Deposit and refund terms
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Early-termination penalties
Our legal partners review every lease to remove or adjust non-compliant clauses.
10. What are my rights as a tenant in Spain?
Tenants are protected under the LAU law.
- Rent can only increase once a year and within legal limits.
- The landlord must maintain habitability (plumbing, heating, etc.).
- You can register your address (empadronamiento) and apply for residency with long-term lease contracts.
We explain your rights clearly before signing.
11. Are utilities included in rent?
Usually not. Tenants pay electricity, water, gas, and internet separately.
We assist with setting up or transferring utilities into your name.
12. Can I use my rental contract for a visa or residency?
Yes — it’s mandatory for most long-term visas (Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad, Family Reunification, etc.).
The contract must be in your name, registered, and valid for at least 12 months.
We ensure your lease meets consulate and immigration office requirements.
13. How do I terminate a rental contract legally?
Tenants may end the lease after 6 months with 30 days’ notice, unless the contract states otherwise.
We help draft or review notices to protect your deposit and legal standing.
14. What happens if the landlord wants the property back early?
If it’s your main residence, they can only reclaim it after the first year and only for legitimate reasons (family use, sale, or legal breach).
We ensure all clauses comply with Spanish tenancy law.
15. Can I rent out a property I’m leasing?
Subletting requires written landlord consent.
Unauthorized subletting can lead to eviction. We clarify all terms before signing.
16. What about furnished vs unfurnished rentals?
- Furnished: move-in ready, often shorter stays, slightly higher rent.
- Unfurnished: better for long-term, lower rent, you furnish it yourself.
We help evaluate total setup costs to compare both options fairly.
17. Are pets allowed in rentals?
Many landlords accept pets, but it must be confirmed in writing.
We specialize in pet-friendly housing and negotiate clauses protecting both sides.
18. Do I need renter’s insurance in Spain?
Not mandatory, but strongly advised. It covers damage, theft, and civil liability.
Premiums start around €150–€250/year.
19. Can I get a rental contract without a Spanish bank account?
Yes — owners may accept international transfers or Wise/Revolut payments initially.
However, you’ll need a Spanish bank account to set up utility contracts (electricity, water, gas, and internet) and arrange automatic rent payments.
We assist you with opening a Spanish bank account once your NIE or visa is issued, so utilities and standing payments can be activated smoothly.
20. How does Livin’España support clients renting in Spain?
We provide a complete rental assistance service, including:
- Area research and property shortlisting
- Legal and lease review by partner lawyers
- Digital signing and payment coordination
- Administrative setup
- Connecting you with reliable tax, land, and immigration lawyers
- Utility setup and empadronamiento support
Our process ensures secure, transparent rentals that meet visa and residency requirements.