How to rent an apartment in Spain as a Expat

If you’re moving to Spain, one of the first things that will come to your mind is “How do I find a place to live?”. As an incoming Expat, it can be quite stressful to find the perfect place, so in this blog we will share everything you need to know about renting an apartment in Spain as an Expat.

The very first thing you will need to be able to rent an apartment in Spain, is demonstrate you have the right to live in the country. So if you’re a EU-citizen, your ID will be enough, but if you’re a passport holder from a country outside of the European Union (EU), you will need a valid visa - or equivalent documentation proving you have the right to reside in Spain. Spanish Landlords will ask you for:

• Your NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero)
• Your Passport (In case you don’t yet have your NIE yet)
• Proof of Funds, such as your Employment Contract or bank statements if you’re studying
• Positive references from previous rentals (Not all Landlords will ask for this)
• A Guarantor (In most cases - this is a person who guarantees they are able to pay your rent in case you fail to make the payments)
• A Security Deposit (which is refundable when you move out providing you don’t damage the property)

It’s also normal for Spanish Landlords to ask proof that you hold a Spanish Bank Account and have sufficient funds, although nowadays that’s less common, as Expats tend to have digital Bank Accounts (like Revolut). These allow you to transact in Euros while in Spain, irrespective of where you’re from.

Here are the 6 steps we recommend you to take when searching for your apartment in Spain as an Expat:

1) Find a short term rental in the city you want to live in

While most people look for a long term rental before they even arrive in Spain, this can be a big mistake. You don’t yet know the area, the reputation, the traffic, proximity to amenities and many other things that may influence your decision. Our recommendation is to look for a short term flat (via Homelike or HousingAnywhere) for the first 3 months or so, so you get familiarised with the areas and options before committing to a flat long term.

2) Get your Documentation together ready to make a Rental Application

When you want to rent a flat for the long term, the landlord (or Estate Agent) will ask you for a number of documents (which you can find in the above section). Try to have these ready to make the process as smooth as possible, because you will most likely be competing for the same property with other interested people.

3) Start searching for long term rentals

Give it a month or two and then start looking for apartments to rent for the long-haul. At this point you will know what area is your preferred, and factors like traffic, noise, proximity to work that may impact your decision. The most famous website in Spain for finding a flat to rent is idealista.

4) Get in touch with the listing agent / Landlord to see the property

Once you find an apartment you want, reach out via the contact details provided on the listing. People tend to be more responsive via phone, so make sure to have a local phone number so you can make calls; although contact forms and email can also work. Ask to book a viewing to go see the property - Never pay anything upfront or commit to signing a rental contract before seeing it in person.

5) Make a rental application, and if approved, sign the contract

So you found a house you liked, you saw it in-person, and it all checks out - great! The Landlord will at this point ask you for a number of documents such as your NIE (among others), and one month worth of rent for a refundable security deposit. If they work with an estate agent, additional fees may apply. At this point, if both parties are happy, you will sign a rental agreement and establish a move-in date.

6) When moving in, take pictures of the property

It’s advisable to take pictures of any damages you may find at the time of moving in. This will be helpful when you move out as the landlord may claim you did the damage and remove a certain amount of your deposit to fix it. Some people will be honest, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

• You CAN rent a flat without a NIE or TIE. All landlords will ask you for this document as it serves as your National Identity Card, but it may take you a few months to get it after you land in Spain. So use a passport to sign a contract, and when you have your NIE/TIE, send a picture of it to the landlord.
• When you lease an apartment, you become responsible for paying the utility bills associated with the apartment. These include Electricity, Gas and Water. Sometimes, depending on the building, you may also have to pay a condominium fee.
• You have the right to request to see the property before commiting to renting it. In fact, we highly advise you to do so. This will avoid disappointments down the line, as videos and pictures can be misleading.
• You have the right to ask the Landlord for any repairs necessary. It is their responsibility to make sure the property has “good living conditions” - although keep an eye out for any clauses in your contract.
• Get a short term let (between 1-6 months) before committing to a long term lease. You might want to get to know the city and the areas that best fit your lifestyle before committing for the long term based on what you read online. We recommend you to check out HousingAnywhere and use this link for 15% Discount.