This information is for orientation only. Tenant rights depend on LAU, the comunidad autónoma and zona tensionada. For disputes consult the municipal oficina de vivienda or a lawyer.
Housing roadmap
Before arrival (temporary) → Viewing → Contract → Empadronamiento → Utilities → Renewal or move
Student checklist — housing
- 4–8 weeks before: university residences + Idealista/Fotocasa alerts; budget fianza + first month.
- First week: hostel, coliving or short-term room — do not pay full months without a signed contract.
- Before signing: real viewing, verify owner, fianza cap, student break clauses.
- After signing: empadronamiento within days; activate electricity/internet.
- With flatmates: written agreement on bills, cleaning, guests and duration.
University residence vs private market
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Residencia universitaria | Fixed price, near campus, simpler empadronamiento | Limited places, curfew rules |
| Habitación en piso compartido | Cheaper, social | Illegal subletting, scams |
| Whole flat | Privacy | Needs aval/guarantor, high cost |
| Coliving / Spotahome | Fast arrival, verified | Commissions, less flexibility |
Where to search
- Idealista — Main portal.
- Fotocasa / Habitaclia — National alternatives.
- Spotahome — Medium term with video verification.
- University housing office — Complutense, UB, UPM, UV, etc.
- Milanuncios / groups — Only after identity verification.
Indicative rents by city (2026)
Monthly rent for a room in a shared flat (excluding deposits and utilities). Tight market — figures are indicative.
| City | Room | Studio | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | 450–750 EUR | 900–1,400 EUR | Zona tensionada; check rent caps |
| Barcelona | 500–800 EUR | 950–1,500 EUR | High Erasmus demand; Catalan useful |
| Valencia | 350–550 EUR | 700–1,100 EUR | Better value for money |
| Seville / Málaga | 300–500 EUR | 650–1,000 EUR | Tourist seasonality in Málaga |
| Salamanca / Granada | 250–400 EUR | 500–800 EUR | More affordable university cities |
| Bilbao | 400–600 EUR | 800–1,200 EUR | Market tighter than in the north-centre |
Contract and rights (LAU)
- Contrato de arrendamiento: minimum 5 years (private individual landlord) with extensions — students often use a contrato temporal or room contract.
- Fianza (depósito): max 1 month’s rent if unfurnished, 2 if furnished; deposit held with regional body (IVIMA, etc.).
- Comunidad / IBI / basura: clarify who pays what in the contract.
- Subletting: written owner authorisation required — without it, eviction risk.
- Zona tensionada: limits on rent increases — check municipal map.
Documents to rent
- NIE or TIE — Almost always required.
- Employment contract / scholarship / statements — Income ideally 2–3× rent.
- Aval (guarantor) — Often a parent with Spanish payslips or extra deposit.
- Empadronamiento — Some landlords require it immediately.
Utilities
- Electricity (luz): Endesa, Iberdrola, Naturgy — compare PVPC/fixed tariffs.
- Gas: Often same supplier; check meter reading.
- Water: Municipal service — bill in tenant’s name or included.
- Internet: Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Digi, MásMóvil — fibre where available.
- Domiciliación: Direct debit from IBAN — check amounts in the first months.
Flatmates and shared living
- Written rules: bills, cleaning, guests, hours, duration.
- Contract in one name only: others have no LAU rights — consider joint contract or authorised sublease.
- Photos of room condition on move-in to avoid fianza disputes.
Useful links
Sources
Western Union payment first visit = classic.
Quick reference
Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga: high demand. Limited university residences. Idealista, Badi, Facebook groups. Deposit + community expenses.
Student housing
University residence
Limited places, book early. Hourly rules. Close to campus.
Shared flat
Idealista, Fotocasa, WhatsApp groups. Live visit. Beware of summer scams.
- Idealist
- Mind you
- Erasmuplay
Lease and rent
Contract
Areas and neighborhoods
Hazardous
Utilities and what rent includes
Electricity/gas Iberdrola/Naturgy. Fiber Internet. Community: stair cleaning.
Deep dive (optional)
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.