When first arriving, finding short-term rentals in Spain for a month or two is a good idea. This allows you to try out the area before you commit to a long-term contract or house purchase. This will allow you to get your bearings and decide which location is right for you.
Once you and your family make friends, you may want to live closer to them or perhaps closer to a school. You can also determine which features you need to look for in a home in Spain. The pool that seemed like an optional extra may suddenly seem a necessity once the heat of summer kicks in!
Here is our guide to finding short-term rentals in Spain before you arrive.
Five Pros of Short-term Rentals in Spain
1. Flexibility. You are not tied to a long contract, so you can move on easily when you find the right long-term solution.
2. No utility bills. If it is a holiday let that you are renting for a month or so, the bills will be included in the rent. Do bear this in mind when you set your budget and be willing to pay more, as you will have no extras.
3. Convenience: No hassle in setting up the utilities and wifi when you move in as they are already laid on. The apartment or villa will also come fully furnished, with even the bedding and towels provided. So no rush to unpack. If your belongings are being shipped from afar, this will tide you over till they arrive.
4. Testing, Testing 1,2,3… is the best way to get to know an area before you settle there. It may seem like the perfect spot, but you may find it noisy or inconvenient. Try before you buy!
5. Save Money! Many properties are empty during winter, so you should be able to snag a bargain. Properties should be around 20% less than they would be for a long-term rental if you are renting between October and May. And you won’t have to find a large deposit or pay the agency a month’s rent as a fee. Win-win!
Note: You may need to pay a deposit in Spain. To do this, see our guide the the fastest, cheapest, and safest international money transfers to Spain.
Three Cons of Short-Term Rentals in Spain
1. No security: Don’t expect to be able to stay longer. Along with the flexibility comes insecurity
2. It’s Not Home: You may find it frustrating to be living in holiday accommodation without your belongings around you.
3. Extra Expenses: If your furniture is in storage, this can be an extra expense.
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Finding Short-term Rentals In Spain: Where to Start
Airbnb
This market leader is always a good place to start your search. Many properties on the AirBnb platform offer heavily discounted rates, particularly in winter. FiIter the selection to your budget and requirements and you should find some good deals.
Remember, you can always contact the owners with a counteroffer. It is probably best to book the first month through the platform for security. And once you have booked, you can communicate with the owner about extensions that could be arranged privately. This way, you can minimize fees moving forward.
VRBO
This website also has a lot of properties in Spain, but it doesn’t offer monthly rates when you search. So, this will require a little more legwork in contacting the owners and asking for their best offer for monthly rentals.
Local Holiday Let Agencies
Conduct a thorough Google search to find local agencies that deal in holiday lets and send them all an email explaining what you are looking for. Tell them your budget and be prepared to haggle if the initial prices are too steep.
Idealista And Habitaclia
While Idealista and Habitaclia are aimed at those looking for long-term rentals, they are good places to look for seasonal lets. These are available for around eight months, through the winter, and are called Alquiler de Temporada.
With these sorts of short-term rentals in Spain, you will usually pay some form of deposit. You will probably pay the agency a monthly fee for the utility bills based on your consumption. The good news is that you won’t need to arrange the supply, and it won’t be in your name, but you will be charged for your usage.
Read more about these web portals in our article about Long Term Rentals in Spain.
Relocation services
If you are using a relocation service to assist with your move as a whole, they can also help with this. Certainly, if you have a lot going on and are under stress, this is how to find short-term rentals in Spain.
Real Estate Agents
Although these agents generally deal with long-term rentals, it is worth giving it a go. Try emailing local agents to see if they have any short-term apartment rentals to tide you over.
Local Facebook Groups
Asking the Expat community is often a great place to find short-term accommodation. In tourist areas, many people rent out apartments and houses directly – but understand these off-book rentals have no protection under the law. We suggest rather using these forums to find local agencies or platforms where possible.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Short-Term Rental In Spain
- Work out your budget and be ready to haggle.
- Ensure you are clear on what is included in the rental price and what isn’t.
- Remember to factor in whether you will pay for bills on top or if they will be included when calculating your budget.
- Identify your must-haves versus the nice-to-haves. But the beauty of this type of rental is it doesn’t matter that much if you make a mistake. You can always move on! Be ready to leave if the landlord asks you to. Remember you are taking a holiday rental, so you will not have any rights as a tenant.
Be aware: The owner can ask you to leave a property at short notice. But generally, if you have agreed to a month or several months, they will unlikely want you to leave before that period expires. Just don’t expect them to let you stay for the summer. This is where they will be charging top dollar to tourists.
Ready To Find A Short-Term Rental In Spain?
We do recommend this as a great way to dip your toe in the water. We have direct experience of doing this when we first moved to Spain, and it gave us a really good insight into what mattered to us. It wasn’t long before we realized we preferred space, a pool, and proximity to the school over a lively beachfront location. But for friends of ours, the reverse was true. So, do your due diligence and start your journey by finding short-term rentals in Spain.
FAQ – Spanish Short-Term Rentals
What legal protections do tenants have when opting for short-term rentals in Spain?
Short-term rentals in Spain are often categorized as tourist accommodations. Consequently, they might not offer the extensive tenant protections seen in long-term leases. The specific rights and obligations of both parties are typically detailed in the rental contract. It’s crucial to thoroughly review this document and, if uncertainties arise, consider seeking legal counsel. If you rent through a platform like Airbnb, you’ll use their T&Cs.
Are there unexpected costs associated with short-term rentals in Spain?
While many short-term accommodations, particularly holiday lets, incorporate utility bills within the rent, there can be additional expenses. These might include cleaning fees, administrative charges, or local tourist taxes. To avoid surprises, always request a detailed cost breakdown from the landlord or rental agency before committing.
How can I foster a positive relationship with my short-term rental landlord in Spain?
We always recommend being open, honest, and courteous. Cultivating a positive relationship hinges on transparent communication. Clearly convey your rental intentions, uphold the property’s integrity, and strictly adhere to the rental agreement’s stipulations. Addressing concerns promptly and ensuring timely payments can further solidify trust between both parties.
In Spanish short-term rentals, who bears the responsibility for property maintenance and repairs?
For short-term rentals, landlords usually shoulder the responsibility for general maintenance and significant repairs unless the tenant causes the damage. The rental agreement should specify these details. To maintain a good relationship, always report potential issues or damages to the landlord at the earliest opportunity.
Do I need to have an address secured before I move to Spain?
Hi – it depends on why you are moving to Spain and your immigration permission, visa, or residency – check our Spain Visa Types guide for details. You don’t usually need to show an address when you apply for a visa. All the best, Alastair