Everything you need to ask when visiting a flat to rent in Spain

Finding the perfect rental flat is not easy, as there are many factors at play. Therefore, if you are thinking of renting a property, you should carefully analyze what you are looking for to choose the most suitable one based on your needs.

At Fotocasa, we explain the essential list of questions to ask when viewing a rental flat, along with all the technical elements you should inspect during the visit.

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12 key questions to ask when viewing a Flat to rent in Spain

To choose the most suitable property based on your needs, you should ask a series of specific questions before signing the rental contract. Here are the fundamental points you should clarify with the landlord or estate agency during your in-person visit:

1. What expenses are included in the monthly rent?

You need to know which items are included in the rental price and which are not. For instance, who pays the homeowners’ association fees, the IBI (property tax), or municipal taxes. Clearing up this question prevents unexpected extra costs.

2. How many months of security deposit and additional guarantees are required?

According to the latest update of the Urban Leases Act (LAU) in Spain, only one month of legal deposit plus a maximum of two months’ rent as an additional guarantee can be requested for a primary residence. Clarify the total required upon signing to make your financial calculations.

Financial Terms of the Rental in Spain

Source: Urban Leases Act (LAU), 2026.

As shown in the table above, the law limits additional guarantees to facilitate access to housing.

3. Are utilities connected and whose name are they under?

In Spain, water, electricity, and gas services must be active before you move in. Once the agreement is signed, the most convenient step is to transfer utility bills to the tenant’s name.

Tip: You can ask how much utility bills typically amount to, so you can get an idea of your monthly expenses.

4. What type of contract will be signed and what is its duration?

Primary residence contracts have a minimum duration of one year, automatically renewable for up to 5 years (or 7 if the landlord is a company), unless the tenant gives 30 days’ notice of their intent not to renew.

If the agreed term is less than five years (or less than seven years if the landlord is a company), the contract will automatically renew each year until reaching that minimum of five or seven years. The only way to prevent this renewal is for the tenant to notify the landlord at least thirty days prior to the expiration date.

Tip: check if there are clauses in the rental agreement that allow, for example, reclaiming the property for personal or family use.

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5. Is there an early termination penalty clause?

In Spain, the LAU allows the tenant to leave the property after the first six months, provided they give 30 days’ advance notice.

However, you should check whether the contract includes an early termination penalty clause, which allows the landlord to demand compensation equivalent to one month’s rent for each remaining year of the contract.

6. Who handles repairs and breakdowns in the property?

As a general rule, the landlord is required to cover necessary repairs to maintain the home in habitable conditions, unless the damage was caused by misuse by the tenant.

Article 21 of the LAU regulates property maintenance according to these technical criteria:

• The landlord (Owner): must pay for major repairs to water, electricity, heating, boiler, or structural systems to maintain habitability, with no right to raise the rent as a result.
• The tenant: must pay for minor ordinary repairs arising from daily wear and tear and common home use (such as light bulbs or taps).

If an urgent breakdown occurs that could cause serious and imminent damage, the tenant may repair it after notifying the landlord and demand immediate reimbursement of the cost.

7. What is the history of rent increases and how will the rent be updated?

When renting a flat in Spain, you should ask whether the contract includes an annual adjustment clause. In accordance with the Housing Law, rents can be updated according to official reference indices set by the INE (National Statistics Institute), but it is not mandatory for the landlord to apply this update, so it is advisable to clarify the owner’s intention.

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8. Why is the previous tenant leaving?

Asking about the reason for the previous tenant’s departure will provide you with valuable information about the home, the surroundings, or potential hidden issues with the building or neighborhood before you make a commitment.

9. Are pets allowed in the rental property?

If you have pets or plan to get any, you should ask about the landlord’s policy before moving forward with the paperwork, as concealing it can be grounds for contract termination.

Although the law in Spain does not explicitly forbid animals in homes, it grants total freedom to the landlord to accept or deny them. If the landlord decides to prohibit pets, this restriction must mandatory appear in the contract clauses.

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10. Are modifications to the property permitted, such as painting or hanging pictures?

Article 23 of the LAU expressly prohibits carrying out works that alter the configuration of the home or its fixtures without the written consent of the landlord. Under no circumstances may renovations be carried out that compromise the safety or stability of the property.

When viewing the flat, ask about the limits for personalizing the home. Many landlords allow minor cosmetic modifications, such as painting walls or putting up shelves, provided the property is returned to its original state before moving out. If you need to make an essential change, request that it be recorded in writing in the final contract.

11. Is the flat furnished, and can furniture be changed or removed?

If the listing shows furniture but you prefer to use your own, ask immediately whether it can be removed. If you choose to keep it, ask for a detailed inventory to be attached to the contract to protect your deposit.

12. Are there specific homeowners’ association rules?

It is essential to inquire about community rules. Ask if there are restrictions on using common areas, for example, whether access to the shared rooftop is permitted, noise schedules, or the use of lightwells.

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All the questions to ask when viewing a rental flat in Spain

Checklist: What to check Inside and outside the flat when viewing a rental property in Spain

Flat viewings are usually brief, so having a physical checklist will help you scan critical points of the property in a few minutes. At Fotocasa, we recommend inspecting the following elements when viewing a home to rent:

What to check inside the rental flat during the viewing

1. Windows and joinery: inspect the condition of windows to ensure insulation and check for cross ventilation.
2. Damp and cracks: inspect ceilings, corners, and walls to rule out leaks or structural issues.
3. Plumbing and water pressure: turn on taps to test water pressure, temperature, and ensure there are no drain leaks.
4. Appliances and boiler: ask about their age and basic operation.
5. Inventory and furniture: if the flat is furnished, confirm which items will stay and ask for a photographic list to be attached to the contract to safeguard your deposit.
6. Carpentry and flooring: ensure closet doors close properly and that flooring or parquet shows no severe previous damage.

What to check in the surrounding area and neighborhood community

1. Orientation and natural light: observe the influx of natural sunlight, as it directly impacts heating savings in winter. You can ask which direction the flat faces.
2. Noise and acoustic pollution: walk around the neighborhood at different times of day to check street activity or the presence of nightlife venues.
3. Nearby amenities: check proximity to supermarkets, pharmacies, schools, parks, and public transport (metro, train, or buses).
4. Parking: ask if a garage space is included (and its extra cost) or assess street parking difficulty for your daily routine.
5. Community rules: inform yourself about internal regulations regarding noise, common area usage, or waste management.

Key aspects to verify when viewing a rental flat in Spain

Source: Fotocasa, July 2026.

Attending a rental viewing with a detailed list of questions is the best way to avoid surprises or misunderstandings.

In today’s market environment, where regulations change continuously and access to rentals is increasingly competitive, taking the necessary time to inspect the flat and talk with the owner will ensure a transparent and smooth rental experience for both parties.

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