Air Conditioning & Your Rental in Spain

Do you have the right to AC?

In Spain, there is no automatic legal right to air conditioning in a rental property. However, if AC is listed in your contract or inventory, your landlord is obliged to maintain it in working order under Article 21 of the LAU.

Who pays for installation?

If you want to install AC and it wasn't in the property when you moved in, you need your landlord's written permission. Without it, the landlord can require you to remove the unit when you leave and charge you for any damage caused.

Running costs

Air conditioning is one of the biggest contributors to electricity bills in Spain. Check your contracted power level -running AC often requires a higher potencia. You may need to upgrade your contracted power, which involves a fee but reduces the risk of trip switches.

Maintenance responsibilities

• Landlord: responsible for major repairs, compressor failures, and structural installation issues.

• Tenant: responsible for routine cleaning of filters and minor upkeep.

• If the unit breaks down through no fault of yours, report it in writing immediately and request repair within 48 hours for essential cooling.