What documents do I need to rent a property in Barcelona?

Most agencies will ask for proof of employment or income, a valid ID or passport, and in some cases a Spanish bank account. For temporary rentals, you may also need to provide documentation confirming a non-permanent stay, such as a company letter or enrollment in a study program.

How much deposit is usually required?

In Barcelona rentals, the typical deposit is now to two months' rent, In some cases, landlords may request a larger guarantee depending on the property and your personal situation.

Are agency fees paid by the tenant?

In long-term rentals, agency fees must now be covered by the landlord. In the temporary market, these fees must be paid by the tenant.

Are apartments in Barcelona furnished or unfurnished?

Temporary rentals are always furnished, while long-term rentals are generally unfurnished, although there are exceptions. In both cases, kitchen always includes stove and oven. Depending on the property, refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine may also be included.

Can I rent in Barcelona without a Spanish job contract?

Yes, it’s possible, but agencies and landlords may be stricter. You will usually need to provide alternative proof of solvency, such as foreign income, savings, or a company letter confirming your situation. Sometimes, increasing the number of months of deposit can help you get accepted.

How long does it take to find a rental in Barcelona?

It depends on your budget, preferred area, and market conditions. In some cases it may take just a few days, while in others several weeks. Having documents ready and acting quickly increases your chances of success.

Are pets allowed in rental apartments?

Some landlords allow pets, but restrictions are common. If you’re moving with a pet, we can help identify pet-friendly properties and clarify conditions before signing. Landlords of furnished apartments are usually reluctant to accept pets.

House Finding in Barcelona for Expats

The rental market is competitive, but our home-finding service in Barcelona makes it easier to navigate. From market-wide searches to contract review and move-in support, we guide you every step of the way. Once you’ve moved in, our Settling-in Services help you complete essential registrations like padrón and health cards—so you can get established quickly.

SERVICES > HOME FINDING

Personalized Home Search in Barcelona

Whether you’re moving alone, as a couple, or with a family, we tailor our home finding service to your needs. Unlike traditional real estate agents, we are not limited to one portfolio. We scan the entire rental market, negotiate with landlords, and advise you on neighborhoods to match your lifestyle, schools, and budget.
Once you’ve chosen your new home, our Settling-in Services in Barcelona assist with official registrations, utilities, and everyday formalities — so your move-in is completely worry-free.

How Our Home Finding in Barcelona Works

Our home finding process in Barcelona is designed to give expats complete support at every stage. From defining your needs and scanning the entire rental market to arranging viewings, negotiating with landlords, and reviewing contracts, we take care of the details so you can focus on settling in.

01 - Evaluation

We start by clarifying your needs. We listen to your lifestyle, budget, timing, and priorities to identify the best areas and housing options for you. If you’re relocating from abroad, our Immigration Support Services ensure your residence documentation is ready so your search can proceed smoothly. For clients relocating with children, our School Search Service can also guide your neighborhood selection based on school options.

02 - Market Search

With your criteria defined, we scan the entire market as part of our home finding in Barcelona service, giving you access to a much wider range of options for your apartment search in Barcelona — far beyond what one agency could offer. This gives you access to a much wider range of options, including properties that might never appear on public portals. We prepare a curated shortlist, highlighting the advantages and potential drawbacks of each home, so you can make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed.

03 - Viewings

Once the shortlist is ready, we arrange and accompany you to property visits. During each viewing, we provide practical insights on the neighborhood, building condition, and contract implications. Our role is to guide you through the details you might miss—helping you compare homes fairly and decide with confidence.

04 - Negotiation & Reservation

After you’ve found the right property, we handle communication with the landlord or agency to secure favorable conditions. We guide you through the reservation payment, ensure transparency in fees, and clarify the obligations for both parties. This negotiation step protects your interests and prevents unexpected costs or complications later. If you’re moving from abroad and need assistance with NIE or visa procedures, our Immigration Support in Barcelona team can prepare your documentation for a smooth start.

05 - Contract Review

Rental contracts in Barcelona can be complex, often written in legal Spanish and with terms that may not favor the tenant. We review the entire agreement carefully, checking clauses related to duration, deposit, renewals, and termination rights. Our team ensures the contract is fair, compliant with local law, and aligned with your expectations before you sign. We also coordinate with our Property Management Barcelona service if you plan to rent out or maintain your property after relocation.

06 - Move-In Support

Our service doesn’t stop when you move in. We assist with practical tasks, such as utility setup and tenancy registration, ensuring your transition to Barcelona goes smoothly. For ongoing assistance such as renewals, translations, or administrative tasks, our Concierge Services are here to help. This service works hand in hand with our Concierge Services in Barcelona for post-move errands, document handling, or keyholding.

Temporary vs. Long-Term Housing in Barcelona

In today’s market, most available properties in Barcelona are offered as temporary rentals. Agencies often require documentation proving a temporary status, such as a company letter or study enrollment. Families relocating with children often combine their home search with our School Search Service to secure the right area near preferred schools. We guide you through these requirements to secure the best possible option for your circumstances.

Long-term rentals exist, but availability is limited and subject to stricter regulations. With capped rental prices and agency fees shifted to landlords, many owners now prefer temporary contracts. We help you identify long-term opportunities when they arise, while advising on realistic strategies to balance temporary and permanent housing needs.

Choosing the Right Neighborhood

Families often look for quiet, residential areas with international schools and green spaces. Sarrià–Sant Gervasi, Pedralbes, and Sant Cugat are among the top choices, offering a combination of safety, services, and a strong sense of community, as well as proximity to international schools. You can read more about the best areas in our guide to the best neighborhoods in Barcelona for expats. Our School Search in Barcelona and Settling-in Services can help match your preferred areas with the right schools and administrative support for a smoother start.

Young professionals tend to prefer central, well-connected districts with vibrant city life. Eixample offers elegant apartments close to offices and services, while Poblenou and Gràcia attract those looking for a creative or startup environment.

Couples and singles often enjoy dynamic neighborhoods such as El Born, Poble Sec, or Poblenou, where culture, dining, and nightlife are within walking distance.

FAQs About Renting in Barcelona

What documents do I need to rent a property in Barcelona?
Most agencies will ask for proof of employment or income, a valid ID or passport, and in some cases a Spanish bank account. For temporary rentals, you may also need to provide documentation confirming a non-permanent stay, such as a company letter or enrollment in a study program.
How much deposit is usually required?
In Barcelona rentals, the typical deposit is now to two months' rent, In some cases, landlords may request a larger guarantee depending on the property and your personal situation.
Are agency fees paid by the tenant?
In long-term rentals, agency fees must now be covered by the landlord. In the temporary market, these fees must be paid by the tenant.
Are apartments in Barcelona furnished or unfurnished?
Temporary rentals are always furnished, while long-term rentals are generally unfurnished, although there are exceptions.
In both cases, kitchen always includes stove and oven. Depending on the property, refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine may also be included.
Can I rent in Barcelona without a Spanish job contract?
Yes, it’s possible, but agencies and landlords may be stricter. You will usually need to provide alternative proof of solvency, such as foreign income, savings, or a company letter confirming your situation. Sometimes, increasing the number of months of deposit can help you get accepted.
How long does it take to find a rental in Barcelona?
It depends on your budget, preferred area, and market conditions. In some cases it may take just a few days, while in others several weeks. Having documents ready and acting quickly increases your chances of success.
Are pets allowed in rental apartments?
Some landlords allow pets, but restrictions are common. If you’re moving with a pet, we can help identify pet-friendly properties and clarify conditions before signing. Landlords of furnished apartments are usually reluctant to accept pets.

What Our Clients Say

“My wife and I moved to Barcelona in April of 2025 and used Going to Barcelona to help us with the relocation. Tristan was wonderful. We very quickly found a flat but decided to wait for another one that we liked even more but wouldn’t be ready for 6 to 8 weeks.

This complicated everything but Tristan stayed by our side, always giving us solid advice and making all the arrangements for our Padrón and TIE appointments. There is no way we could have done this on our own.

He’s amazing to work with, highly recommended!!”
— Steve Lauzun, via Google Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐