Long Term Rentals

Summary of conditions:

* Minimum length of tenancy 3 months

* Maximum length of tenancy 11 months although 6 months is more common. Tenancies can be extended at a later date provided both parties are in agreement.

* Holding deposit which is non refundable is equivalent to 2 months rental.

* On arrival one month’s rental must be paid in advance.

* Provided the tenancy is taken up, the holding deposit converts to the security deposit. The security deposit is repayable at the end of the tenancy provided there is no damage or loss to the property and there has been no breach in the terms of the rental agreement.

* 2 months notice is required where the tenant wishes to terminate the agreement before its stated end of tenancy date.

* The rent is collected each month on the date that corresponds to the commencement date of the tenancy

* Where bills are in addition to the rental, tenants are responsible for electric and water consumption. In some cases they are also responsible for the monthly television subscriptions. Where telephones are installed, the tenant is responsible for all costs. Where there are gas facilities the tenant is responsible for consumption.

* If a pet is permitted to stay at the property, an additional deposit determined by the owner usually applies.

* A written reference is required. This must be from an employer, landlord, bank manager or mortgage provider.

* Copies of passports are required.

This is just a summary of the terms. A fully comprehensive tenancy agreement is provided where tenancies are agreed in both English and Spanish.

Some Useful Additional Information

SUMA TAX
This is similar to the Council Tax in the UK. This is based on the value of the property and the owners meet this cost not tenants.

Community Fees
Most properties are part of a community which is overseen by an elected committee made up of owners. They in turn appoint an administrator to deal with the communities business including things like maintenance of communal areas, cleaning and maintaining communal swimming pools, lifts where installed, security gates etc.

The owners meet these costs which can be quite substantial in some cases. Tenants are not asked to contribute to these .

Telephones and Internet
Very few properties have telephones in situ although the infrastructure is normally in place. To have a line connected it is necessary to contact Telefonica to arrange this and once you have a line then there are a number of companies who can offer different internet options.

Telefonica normally quote 15 days to install a line, however the actual installation may fall outside of this period and can be subject to delay on occasion. As there is no penalty for failing to meet a stated time period anyone requiring a telephone must be prepared for a wait.

The speeds for broadband may also vary according to the area.

Mobile internet USB facilities are offered by various mobile phone companies but it will be necessary to have a Spanish ID Card (NIE) before you can purchase one.
Mobile Phones
There are a number of companies offering mobile phone services and some have some very attractive deals. You will be able to have a contract or pay as you go, however since November 2009 you will have to register a pay as you go phone, so you will need your passport and proof of address before you can buy. WIth a contract phone you have to provide this information plus your bank details before you can sign up.