About Renting in Marbella

UPDATE: NOV/2022

So, you have decided now is the time to make your dream move to the Costa del Sol. You’re not sure whether you want to buy straight away as you need to get to know the areas and get a feel for what its actually like living here permanently. So you have decided to rent a property on a long term basis while you get your bearings. Below, we hope to address some other questions or concerns you may have about moving, and the process involved in doing so.

The ex-pat community makes you immediately feel welcome, and with such a wealth of things to do in the local areas you are never bored. Shopping malls open till late, restaurants and tapas bars along the beach are plentiful and the activities from water sports to more adventurous mountain treks and paragliding is all but a short drive from your door step.

What Prices can I expect to pay?

Generally speaking, a 2-bedroom apartment will cost in the region of 1,200 – 1,900 euros, with 3 bedrooms ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 euros and villas starting from around 4,000 to 10,000 + there is a property to suit all budgets.

What is the rental process?

Renting in Spain is a straight forward process. You contact an agent, arrange some viewings and when you find the place you want to call your own your agent negotiates the deal on your behalf. It should be noted that more often than not the asking price will stick, but if you are in a position where you can pay 6 months or even the full years rent in advance a discount can normally be offered. The main thing owners look for is the security of an honest good paying tenant and or family.

Things to consider when renting in Spain; you will be asked to pay a security deposit. This deposit is usually equal to two months' rent. There is no tenancy deposit scheme like in the UK for example however tenants have certain rights of their own when signing a contract for a long-term rental with the law mostly favouring the side of the tenant. The tenant will also be asked to provide one or more of the following documents.

** Beware of work from home agents who regularly disappear with deposit money! **

A previous landlord written reference with contact number. A working contract or reference from your employer. Passport or ID card.

If none of the above can be provided then the landlord and agent may also ask for some kind of proof that you can afford to stay in the said property. That normally comes in the form of an up to date bank statement and letter of reference form your bank.

** Beware of too good to be true properties on Idealista as there are lots of scams. **

It is then the job of the rental agent to draw up a contract. These contracts must be in Spanish to be legally binding and are also offered in English to accompany the Spanish text. If you are unable to totally understand the contract a draft should be supplied beforehand so you have time to read through. Rarely are these contracts amended.

The typical duration of a long-term rental on the Costa del Sol will be 12 months, and there will almost always be the option to renew when the initial contract draws to an end. Sometimes (rarely) a shorter 6-month contact can be offered however this tends to be on furnished property rentals only with owners asking for the full rent to be paid in advance. At the same time, some owners may also consider a longer rental period.

What's Included in the rental?

When renting a property, it is the landlord’s responsibility to pay any yearly residential taxes and the rubbish fee (Basura) tax too. Owners also pay the community fees for the property. This will be written in to the contract. The property must be offered in a good state and come with working kitchen white goods. It is the tenants' responsibility to pay for all house hold utilities, such as water, electric, gas and Internet / Phone / TV subscriptions.

Anything else?

It should be noted that listings on this website will also require an agency fee to be paid by the tenant. We hope to have covered many of your questions, however if you still want to know something we have not mentioned please feel free to contact us on enquiries@marbellapads.com or call +34 685991133