The Agency Gap

What is the agency gap?

The agency gap is the period between signing your contract and moving in - or between your move-in date and when your agency or property manager becomes unreachable. It's one of the most common points of failure in Spanish rentals, particularly for expats who signed remotely or dealt with a letting agency rather than the landlord directly.

Why it happens

Once the agency has collected their fees and handed over the keys, their financial incentive to remain engaged disappears. Many tenants find that the person they dealt with during the search is suddenly unavailable, has left the agency, or claims the matter is now between you and the landlord directly.

Protect yourself before it happens

• Get the landlord's direct contact details in writing before you sign.

• Confirm in writing who is your point of contact for maintenance and urgent issues.

• Photograph everything on day one and send a written record of the property's condition to both the agency and landlord.

• Get a signed inventory before handing over any money.

If the agency has disappeared

First, check your contract - it should name the landlord. Contact them directly in writing. If the agency is holding your deposit and is unresponsive, this may constitute a legal issue. Document all your attempts to make contact and seek advice from rent.ai's legal team.

Illegal agency fees

Since Ley 12/2023, agencies cannot charge tenants fees or commissions on long-term residential leases. If you paid one, you may be entitled to reclaim it. rent.ai can help you draft a formal demand.