Finding a home
Main platforms:
- Idealista: most used nationwide
- Fotocasa, Habitaclia: large portals
- Spotahome: medium-term verified listings
- Milanuncios: private ads
Contract types
- Contrato de arrendamiento: standard lease, minimum three years with tacit renewal rules
- Contrato temporal: shorter student or temporary stays
- Room rental: shared flats
Deposits (fianza) are capped by law: up to one month for unfurnished homes, up to two when furnished.
Documents landlords ask for
- NIE (usually mandatory)
- Employment contract or income statement
- Last three payslips or tax documents
- Guarantor (aval) if requested
Extra housing costs
- IBI: property tax—usually paid by the landlord
- Comunidad: building fees
- Basura: waste tax
Utilities
Usually billable in your name with an NIE:
- Electricity: Endesa, Iberdrola, Naturgy—compare tariffs
- Gas: often bundled with electricity
- Water: managed municipally
- Internet: Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Digi
Go deeper
Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.
Lease types (summary)
| Type | Note |
|---|---|
| Urban housing lease (LAU) | Written contract; notice periods, deposits, and renewal rules follow current law—verify updates |
| Seasonal / room rental | Common for students; clarify utilities and deposit caps |
| Empadronamiento | Register your address at the town hall for healthcare and services |
Deposits & guarantees
Legal deposit vs add-ons
Statutory fianza rules differ by contract type; extra guarantees (insurance, guarantor) are market practice—read the clause pack.
Regional registration
Some autonomous communities require or incentivise contract registration or tax reporting—check your CCAA housing pages.
Utilities
Power & gas
Liberalised retail—use CNMC-supervised comparators and compare fixed vs indexed tariffs.
IBI & community fees
Municipal property tax is usually the landlord’s cost; community fees should be explicit in the lease.
Tenant & consumer rights
Keep written evidence for disputes with landlords or agencies; consumer portals explain complaint routes.
This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.