Types or rental contracts in Barcelona

Barcelona’s long-term rental market is competitive, with high demand from locals and expats alike. Whether you’re relocating for work, planning a long stay, or looking for a stable home base, understanding rental contracts, deposits, and costs is essential. In this guide, we break down the key aspects of renting in Barcelona—from security deposits to utilities and rent adjustments—so you can navigate the process with confidence.

Table of Contents

What are the deposits and guarantees for Long-Term Rentals in Barcelona?

The typical security deposit is two months’ rent, paid alongside the first month’s rent upon signing the contract. These payments are usually made via bank transfer from a Spanish bank account.

Rent payments will be automatically debited from the tenant’s account at the start of each month. Landlords typically require proof of the tenant’s ability to pay rent, such as an employment contract or payslips. If payslips aren’t available, landlords may request additional deposits.

What does a Long-Term Rental contract include?

Barcelona’s rent generally covers the building’s community fees, municipal tax (IBI), and waste collection fees. However, utilities like water, electricity, and gas are not included and are the tenant’s responsibility.

Who pays for the utilities in a Long-Term Rental contract in Barcelona?

Utilities are usually set up when renting a property, but the tenant or landlord (depending on the contract) must transfer the accounts into the tenant’s name upon moving in. Check that these services are already active, as setting them up can take weeks, during which the property will have no utilities.
The Internet is usually not set up in advance, but installing it is quick and straightforward

What taxes are included in a Long-Term Rental contract in Barcelona?

A 0.5% ITP tax on the rent must be paid only for temporary rentals. It does not apply to Long-Term Rentals.

What is the agency commission on a Long-Term Rental contract in Barcelona?

Agency commissions for rentals are generally 10% of the annual rent plus VAT or one month’s rent plus VAT. Recent rental law changes prevent agencies from charging tenants for long-term rental contracts, but they can charge it for temporary ones..

Are rents adjusted annually in a Long-Term Rental contract in Barcelona?

Rent adjustments are typically based on the Consumer Price Index (IPC) for long-term contracts and are applied once per year if specified. Otherwise, the rent cannot be adjusted during the contract period.

Under recent changes in law, long-term rental contracts now have a maximum rent increase of 3%. This means that the rent increase cannot exceed this limit. Temporary Rental contracts, however, have no annual adjustment cap.

For more information about the best neighbourhoods to live in Barcelona as an expat, click here.

FAQs – Long-Term Rentals in Barcelona

How much is the security deposit for a long-term rental in Barcelona?

Typically, you’ll need to pay two months’ rent as a deposit, plus the first month’s rent upfront. Landlords may also request proof of income or additional guarantees if you’re self-employed or unable to provide payslips.

Most long-term rental contracts include community fees, the municipal property tax (IBI), and waste collection charges. However, utilities like water, gas, electricity, and internet are not included and must be paid separately by the tenant.

Yes, but only if the contract specifies it. Rent increases are typically tied to the Consumer Price Index (IPC) and capped at 3% annually under current law for long-term contracts.

For long-term rentals, agencies are no longer allowed to charge the tenant a commission. The landlord is responsible for this cost. For temporary rentals, however, agencies may still charge tenants.

tristanb