As someone who helps people move to Spain every day, I get countless requests for support in finding rentals all over the country. Whether it’s someone planning their move to Barcelona, Madrid, or towns like Valencia or Málaga, the rental market can be overwhelming for newcomers.

From high agency fees to not knowing how to navigate the paperwork and contracts, it’s easy to make costly mistakes. And let’s not forget the stress of trying to secure an apartment in a competitive market where demand is high and time is short.

I sat down with Kelly, a relocation expert who’s helped hundreds of expats avoid these common pitfalls. In this post, she’s sharing the 7 biggest rental mistakes that new arrivals make when looking for their home in Spain—and more importantly, how to avoid them.

If you’re preparing to move to Spain, especially if you’re trying to find an apartment while juggling visa applications, work plans, or family commitments, this post will provide the clarity and guidance you need to avoid unnecessary stress and secure the right place.

Let’s dive in and start making your rental process smoother and more efficient.

1. Ignoring Hidden Costs

One of the first things Kelly points out is that many new renters get caught off guard by hidden costs. These aren’t always obvious in the beginning, but they can sneak up on you once you’ve signed the contract.

Kelly’s Advice: "There are a few hidden costs you might miss during your initial search, like insurance fees or additional pet deposits if you have an animal. It's also important to ask about things like Wi-Fi quality—sometimes it’s not included, and if it’s poor, you'll end up paying to fix it."

But there’s one more major hidden cost to watch out for: the agency fee.

Kelly’s Advice on Agency Fees: "In Spain, many rental properties, especially short-term ones, come with an agency fee. This fee can range from one month’s rent or 10% of the annual rental price, plus VAT. It's something that can really catch newbies by surprise, so always ask if it’s included in the total rental cost."

So, before you commit, be sure to ask about all potential costs. And don’t forget to factor in things like utilities and community fees, which can vary.

Other Hidden Fees to Watch Out For:

Cleaning Fees
Some landlords charge cleaning fees either upfront or at the end of the lease, particularly for furnished or short-term rentals. This can be anywhere from €50 to €150, depending on the property.
Deposit Fees
Many rental agreements require a security deposit, but some landlords ask for two months' rent or more. Make sure you know the deposit amount and whether it’s refundable.
Utility Costs Not Included in Rent
While some rentals may include utilities, others might charge separately for things like water, electricity, gas, and even community fees for building maintenance. Always ask what’s included in the rent and get clarity on additional utility costs.
Service Fees for Furnished Rentals
Furnished rentals often come at a premium price. On top of that, some landlords charge an additional furnishing fee for the use of furniture and appliances, which can be an unexpected cost.
Parking Fees
If you're renting in a city, be aware that parking might not be included, and you may need to pay extra for a parking space or garage. This can add anywhere from €50 to €200+ per month.
Maintenance and Repair Fees
Some contracts may hold you responsible for minor repairs and maintenance, such as fixing broken appliances, leaking taps, or issues with heating. These additional costs are often overlooked, so make sure to clarify who's responsible for repairs.
Community Fees
In apartment buildings, community fees can be an extra cost that covers the maintenance of shared spaces, like gardens, elevators, and cleaning. These fees can vary but can be anywhere from €30 to €100 a month, depending on the building.
Property Management Fees
Some landlords charge a fee for property management services, which may include handling maintenance requests, rent collection, or other administrative tasks. Always ask if this is included in the rent or paid separately.

2. Not Checking the Apartment's Condition Thoroughly

It’s easy to get excited when you finally find an apartment that seems like a good fit. But Kelly stresses the importance of doing a thorough check before signing anything.

Kelly’s Advice: "Newbies often make the mistake of not checking basic things like whether the plumbing works properly or if all the appliances are functional. I’ve had clients move in and realize that their dishwasher doesn’t work or the hot water takes forever to heat up. You want to make sure everything’s in good shape before you move in."

Take your time to inspect every nook and cranny. Check the kitchen, bathroom, plumbing, air conditioning, and even under the bed—no detail is too small.

3. Overlooking the Minimum Stay Requirement

If you're not familiar with Spanish rental contracts, you might overlook a key clause—the minimum stay. While it’s common to sign one-year contracts, many landlords have a minimum stay requirement, which can vary from 6 months to 12 months.

Kelly’s Advice: "A lot of people don’t ask about this upfront, and then they get stuck with a contract they don’t want to honor. If you’re planning a shorter stay, make sure the landlord knows, and check if they’ll be flexible. It’s always better to ask before you sign."

4. Missing Out on Legal Requirements Like Empadronamiento

When you move to Spain, one of the first things you’ll need to do is register with the local town hall, or empadronamiento. This is essential for obtaining your NIE (residency identification) and other services, like healthcare. But did you know that some landlords won’t allow you to register in their property?

Kelly’s Advice: "This is a huge issue for many expats, especially those moving on a visa. Always ask your landlord if you’ll be able to register at their property. It might sound like a small thing, but if you can’t register, it could complicate your visa process later on."

5. Settling for the First Apartment You See

In the excitement of moving to a new country, it’s tempting to settle quickly on the first apartment that feels right. But Kelly warns against rushing the decision.

Kelly’s Advice: "Take your time! Don’t settle for the first place you see, even if it seems perfect. It’s important to view multiple apartments to get a feel for different neighborhoods and what’s available within your budget. Sometimes the ‘perfect’ apartment isn’t perfect at all once you see it in person."

Be sure to compare options and explore different neighborhoods. What’s perfect in one area might not be in another.

6. Forgetting to Ask About the Lease Agreement Terms

When you're in a rush, reading the fine print of your lease agreement can feel like a chore. But skipping this step can lead to nasty surprises, like unexpected penalties for breaking the lease early, rules about apartment alterations, or unexpected repair responsibilities.

Kelly’s Advice:
"Make sure you ask about the terms of your lease. If you're signing a long-term contract, make sure you understand the conditions around early termination. Also, ask about any rules around painting walls or making changes to the apartment."

Kelly’s Pro Tip on Repairs:
"Another crucial point is to check the lease for repair responsibilities. In many Spanish rental contracts, you may be expected to take care of minor repairs after a certain period of time. It’s important to clarify this upfront so you're not hit with unexpected costs later on. Some landlords may expect you to handle maintenance once you’ve lived there for a while, so it’s best to know what you’re signing up for."

Understanding these terms upfront can save you a lot of headaches later and help you avoid paying for repairs you weren't expecting.

7. Relying Too Much on Online Listings

Online property listings are an invaluable tool, but they can be deceiving. Photos might be outdated, or descriptions might gloss over critical details like noise levels or neighborhood safety.

Kelly’s Advice: "Always visit the property in person if possible. Photos can be edited, and descriptions can sometimes be misleading. If you can’t visit in person, consider having someone you trust check it out or even ask for a virtual tour."

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How to Avoid These Rental Mistakes

Now that we’ve covered the common mistakes, here are some solutions that will help you avoid these rookie errors and find the perfect rental in Spain.

1. Ask All the Right Questions

Before you even step foot in the property, have a list of questions ready. Ask about the agency fee, minimum stay requirements, and empadronamiento. The more information you gather upfront, the less likely you are to encounter surprises.

Kelly’s Tip: "One of the best ways to avoid misunderstandings is to ask for the borrador del contrato (the draft contract). This gives you a sneak peek into the key clauses and conditions before you sign the final contract. You can confirm important details like whether pets are allowed, if you’ll be able to register for the Padron, or if there are any penalties for breaking the lease early."

2. Don’t Rush the Process

Take your time to view several apartments, whether in person or through a virtual tour. Each rental process is unique, and you’ll have a better chance of finding a place that suits your needs by being patient and thorough.

3. Get a Checklist

When visiting a potential apartment, bring a checklist with you. Check the condition of all appliances, inspect the plumbing, and make sure everything is in good working order. This will help you spot issues before you commit to anything.

Kelly’s Tip: "I always recommend clients to check the Wi-Fi speed. If it’s crucial for your work, don’t just assume it’ll be fine. Ask the landlord to test it out during your visit, or better yet, see if you can do a quick speed test yourself."

4. Get Everything in Writing

Once you've found the right place, ensure that everything is confirmed in writing—especially important details like the agency fee, lease terms, and pet policies. This provides protection if anything goes wrong down the line.

Wrapping Up:

Finding the perfect apartment in Spain can feel overwhelming, but by avoiding these common newbie mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to securing a rental that fits your needs. Always take your time, ask the right questions, and do your due diligence before signing anything.

With the right knowledge and approach, you’ll be able to navigate the rental market with confidence, and before you know it, you’ll be settling into your dream home in Spain.

Have any other rental tips or questions? Drop them in the comments! We’d love to hear your experiences.