Ask for the draft contract before the day you are expected to sign. You need time to understand the commitments, particularly if Spanish is not your first language.
Work through these seven areas
- Purpose: does the tenancy reflect how you will actually use the property?
- Duration: when does it start, how do renewals work and what notice is required?
- Rent: what is payable, when, and which lawful update mechanism applies?
- Payments: which sums are rent, fianza, additional guarantees or other charges?
- Repairs: who receives reports and how will urgent problems be handled?
- Leaving: what notice, conditions or lawful compensation could apply?
- Inventory: what furniture, appliances, keys and existing defects are recorded?
Put any agreed repairs or special conditions into the written agreement. If an appliance is broken at the viewing, record the fault and the agreed action rather than relying on a promise that it will be sorted out.
Use a translation you understand and resolve differences between language versions before signing. For an unusual clause or disputed tenancy category, get independent advice on the actual wording.
An agent preparing the contract does not make every clause automatically enforceable. The LAU contains mandatory protections, and the contract needs to be assessed under the rules that apply to that tenancy.
What should I check in a Spanish rental contract?
Check the tenancy purpose, duration, renewal and exit terms, rent updates, payment breakdown, repair arrangements and inventory. Record agreed repairs in writing. Make sure you understand the wording and obtain independent advice where needed; a signed clause is not automatically valid just because an agent included it.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 8 October 2026. Relevant provisions include Articles 2, 3, 6, 11, 18, 21 and 36; application depends on the tenancy.
General information for renters. The rules and documents that apply depend on the tenancy, location and contract date. Seek independent advice about a specific agreement or dispute.