Sign with Confidence

The two main contract types in Spain

Most residential leases fall under the LAU (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos). The standard type is a contrato de arrendamiento de vivienda habitual - a long-term residential lease. The other is a seasonal contract (contrato de temporada), which has fewer tenant protections and is frequently misused by landlords to avoid the 5-year renewal obligation.

Duration and renewal rights

If you're signing a standard residential lease, the minimum effective protection period is 5 years (7 if your landlord is a company). Even if your contract says 1 year, it renews automatically until that threshold. After 5 years, it extends in annual increments unless either party gives notice.

Red flags to look for

• Clauses that waive your renewal rights - these are generally unenforceable.

• Charges for services the landlord is legally required to pay (e.g., agency fees since 2023).

• Vague language around deposit deductions.

• No inventory attached - always insist on a signed inventory before moving in.

Inventory matters

A detailed, signed inventory protects you at checkout. Without one, any dispute about the property's condition defaults to your disadvantage. Walk through every room, photograph everything, and have both parties sign.