Viewing a flat before renting in Spain

Confirm the time and address and research the neighbourhood: transport, shops, schools, noise and safety.

• Prepare your digital file and paper copies of your passport or NIE, work contract and payslips.
• Write your list of questions in advance.
• Know the prices of similar flats so you can judge whether the price is fair.
• Arrive on time, since appointments in Spain are socially flexible but not with the owner or agency, and if you are late call.
• Try to visit the neighbourhood at another time of day to learn the noise, since in some districts bars teem with life at night.
• And if your language is weak a friend who speaks Spanish can accompany you.

Inspect damp and mould in walls, ceiling and corners behind furniture, the condition of windows (single or double glazing), ventilation and insulation, the type of heating and cooling (air conditioner, gas or electric heater), water pressure and the presence of hot water (calentador), electricity and sockets, and the kitchen and appliances.

• Ask about the floor and the presence and condition of the lift (ascensor), the orientation (exterior or interior), since an interior flat has little light.
• Check sound insulation and the neighbours.
• Photograph every defect and state it in writing before signing so that the owner repairs it or lowers the price.
• And watch for cockroaches, ants or leaks, and for many stairs if you carry children or move furniture.

Ask about the contract duration, start date, monthly rent and how it is increased, what the comunidad, that is the shared building fees, includes and who pays them, who pays the property tax (IBI) and the waste tax (tasa de basuras), the deposit amount and additional guarantees, the electricity and gas meter and in whose name the supplies are, whether the flat is furnished and what the inventory (inventario) is, and rules on pets, smoking and subletting.

• Ask to see the mandatory energy efficiency certificate (certificado de eficiencia energética) and the habitability certificate (cédula de habitabilidad) where required, and check that the flat is registered for connecting utilities.
• And ask why the previous tenant is leaving.
• Note the answers and confirm them in the contract.

The owner or agency may say there are other interested parties and ask for an immediate decision and perhaps a reservation payment (señal), which is a familiar pressure technique.

• Do not pay the reservation amount until you are sure of the owner's identity and get a written receipt stating it will be deducted from the rent and returned if the contract is not concluded for a reason beyond you.
• You have the right to ask for a short time to think, but be ready that the flat may go to someone else.
• After the viewing send a short message expressing your interest and recalling your qualities as a tenant: stable income, no pets and no smoking.
• If you see warning signs such as a vague contract or large financial demands look for another.

When receiving the keys carry out with the owner a written inventory (inventario) of the condition of each room, furniture, appliances and defects, and photograph everything with a date.

• This report protects you on leaving from deduction of your deposit for damage that already existed, and under the law you are entitled to recover the deposit after handing over the flat within a reasonable time.
• Record the readings of the electricity, water and gas meters and report them to the companies.
• And transfer the subscriptions to your name.
• Ask for a copy of the building rules and a contact number for faults, and make every fault report in writing.
• And register yourself with the town hall at the address after taking over.
• And do not make major changes to the flat without the owner's permission.

What is the purpose of the inventory on handover?