Landlords who rent out their property in Spain should pay special attention to certain aspects. These points are important to ensure a comfortable stay for tenants and to prevent possible problems.
One of the most important aspects is the condition of the property. Landlords should ensure that the property is in good condition before renting it out. All systems, including electrical wiring, plumbing, and fixtures should be checked to ensure that they are in good working order. The condition of the furniture should also be checked and, if necessary, old furniture should be replaced with new and comfortable ones.
Another important aspect is the cleanliness and maintenance of the property. Before renting out, a thorough cleaning should be carried out to ensure maximum cleanliness and a pleasant atmosphere. During the rental period, regular cleaning and maintenance should also be carried out to satisfy the needs of the tenants.
Security is also an important aspect. Landlords should provide a reliable security system to ensure the protection of property and tenants. This may include installing a CCTV system, an alarm system, and secure locks on doors and windows.
Another important point is accessibility and convenience. Landlords should provide tenants with all the necessary information about the area, including nearby shops, restaurants, public transportation and attractions. They should also provide comfortable living conditions, including the availability of sufficient sleeping space, comfortable furniture and household appliances.
Ultimately, landlords renting out property in Spain should pay attention to the condition of the property, its cleanliness, safety and convenience. These aspects will help ensure a comfortable stay for tenants and increase the likelihood of repeat and satisfied customers.
Tourist rentals: license required in most regions
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, renting residential property in Spain remains a profitable and lucrative source, with net income for the landlord reaching up to 5% per annum. However, the Idealista portal reports the need for special attention from property owners who want to receive a stable income to the behavior of their tenants, especially the possibility of subletting.
In Spain, rental companies were booming in the decade before the coronavirus pandemic hit. It is no surprise that many enterprising citizens also wanted to make money on the Spanish rental market. They simply sign a long-term lease agreement and then sublet the property as a tourist property, including offering individual rooms to tourists.
However, it should be noted that such behavior is illegal under Spanish rental laws, which clearly state that subletting is only possible with the written consent of the owner. Property owners do not usually grant such rights to their tenants. Lawyers recommend including a clause prohibiting subletting in contracts with tenants to avoid potential problems.
In coastal areas of Spain, especially in the summer season when rental demand is high, unscrupulous tenants can take advantage of the trust of property owners who are not Spanish residents and earn money from rent. As a result, owners may not know how their property is used over time.
Most regions require a license to operate a tourist rental, otherwise the owner will face a hefty fine.
Property owners must understand that they are responsible for any violations, even if they were not aware that their apartment was being rented out to tourists from a legal perspective.
Property owners in Spain often face the problem of a long search for a buyer. In such cases, if tenants offer to enter into a lease agreement with an option to buy, the owner may accept this offer, even if it means renting the property at a lower price. However, some tenants abuse this situation and pose as interested buyers, although in fact they have no intention of buying the property. Their goal is to reduce the rental price in order to then rent out the property themselves and make a profit. If the property is located in a good location, this scheme can be very profitable.
Spanish realtors note that such cases are not uncommon. Tenants, taking advantage of the owner’s trust and desire to sell the property, force him to sign a lease agreement that does not prohibit subletting. For this, they choose owners who are not residents of Spain and do not live in the country.
How to avoid such problems?
While no one is immune to bad tenants, property owners in Spain can take certain steps to reduce the risks:
- Carefully select tenants, especially if they express an intention to buy the property in the future.
- The lease agreement must be drawn up by a professional licensed lawyer who is responsible for his actions.
- A lease with an option to purchase agreement must contain a prohibition on subletting.
- The rental price should not be lower than the market price in order to reduce the interest of fraudsters in purchasing.
- Do not sign contracts that bind the owner to obligations for several years.
Landlords should be aware that the promise to purchase the property after the rental period does not obligate tenants to an actual transaction. Also, including a prohibition on subletting in the lease agreement can significantly reduce the risks associated with unscrupulous tenants.
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