Renting a home in Barcelona can be surprisingly complex. With a high demand for housing, evolving rental laws, and a preference among landlords for short-term contracts, newcomers often face strict requirements and limited choices. This guide explains the types of rental contracts, typical deposits and agency fees, what’s usually included in rent, and how to avoid common pitfalls—so you can approach your move with confidence.
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Introduction
Is it challenging to rent in Barcelona? Absolutely—but with the right knowledge, it becomes manageable.
Barcelona’s rental market is fast-paced, competitive, and shaped by evolving laws that favor flexibility for landlords but can create uncertainty for tenants. From short-term tourist rentals to long-term residential leases, understanding the different types of contracts, the costs involved, and your legal protections is key to avoiding costly mistakes.
In this guide, we break down what you need to know about renting in Barcelona—from deposits and agency commissions to what’s included in the rent and how prices can change. Whether you’re relocating for work, planning a long stay, or just starting your search, this article will help you approach the process clearly and confidently.
Types of Rental Contracts in Barcelona
From a legal standpoint, there are three types of rental contracts in Barcelona:
1. Tourist Rentals: Up to 30 days.
2. Temporary Rentals: Up to 11 months.
3. Long-term Rentals: Up to 5 years (or 7 years if the owner is a company).
While long-term rentals are the most suitable for those living in Barcelona, government restrictions on these contracts have led many landlords to opt for “temporary rentals.” This allows them to bypass rent increase limits, enabling agencies to charge tenants a commission.
Although some tenants sign temporary contracts hoping to renew them, we do not recommend this approach. Renewals are not guaranteed, and the original conditions may change. However, a temporary contract can be a short-term solution while looking for a long-term home.
1. Tourist Rentals
Tourist rentals can be a good alternative upon arrival in the city, for a reconnaissance visit, or to use as a ‘base’ while looking for something more stable. While their daily cost may be higher than a temporary rental, they do not require contracts and guarantees.
These rentals are the equivalent of the well-known Airbnb. For these, the comments below regarding guarantees, agency fees, etc. do not apply.
2. Temporary Rentals in Barcelona
Temporary rental contracts are valid for up to 11 months, though renewals may be possible under certain conditions. Many landlords and agencies prefer this format because it allows for unlimited rent increases and permits the agency to charge a commission to the tenant.
While not the ideal choice, temporary rentals can be helpful for newcomers to in their process of relocating to Barcelona. These contracts often come with furnished properties and can be a good option for the first year when searching for a more permanent home. Once settled, finding a long-term rental becomes more manageable without the pressure of an international move.
3. Long-Term Rentals in Barcelona
These contracts require landlords to offer a minimum term of five years if the landlord is an individual or seven years if the landlord is a company.
Tenants can leave the property after the 12th month of the contract without penalty. In some contracts, tenants may leave after the 6th month, but for a small fee.
With these contracts, real estate agencies cannot charge the tenant a commission; the landlord is responsible for those fees. Once you’ve selected the properties that best fit your needs and arranged viewings, acting quickly is essential. The rental market is highly competitive, and properties are rarely available for long. There is often no time for a second visit, so decisions must be made promptly.
Most properties are unfurnished, with an oven and stovetop but often no fridge. In some cases, properties are partially or fully furnished.
Find more information about long-term rentals in this post.
What are the Deposits and Guarantees when Renting 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.
The landlord is obliged to deposit the equivalent of one-month deposit at Incasol, an official body that manages the security deposit for rentals.
What does a rental in Barcelona 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 services in a 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 the process of installing it is quick and straightforward.
What taxes are included in a rental contract in Barcelona?
A 0.5% ITP tax on the rent amount must be paid for temporary rentals.
What is the agency commission on a rental 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 for temporary ones.
Are rents adjusted annually?
For long-term contracts, rent adjustments are typically based on the Consumer Price Index (IPC) and can be applied once per year if specified. If the contract doesn’t mention this, the rent cannot be adjusted during the contract period.
Under recent law changes, long-term rental contracts now have a maximum rent increase of 3%. This means that the rent increase cannot exceed this limit. Temporary contracts, however, have no annual adjustment cap.
FAQs - Is it Challenging to Rent in Barcelona?
Is it hard to find a rental in Barcelona?
Yes, renting in Barcelona can be quite challenging. High demand, limited long-term options, and complex rental laws often create a competitive market. Landlords frequently prefer temporary rentals, which are less regulated and allow higher rent increases. This means tenants need to act quickly and understand their rights before signing.
What types of rental contracts are available in Barcelona?
There are three main types:
Tourist rentals (up to 30 days),
Temporary rentals (up to 11 months), and
Long-term rentals (5 or 7 years depending on the landlord’s status).
Each has different conditions, tenant protections, and legal implications. Long-term contracts offer more stability but are harder to secure.
How much is the deposit when renting in Barcelona?
Typically, the deposit is two months’ rent, paid along with the first month’s rent. Landlords often request proof of income, and if this isn’t available, additional guarantees or deposits may be required. One month of the deposit must be officially registered with Incasòl, the Catalan deposit authority.
Are agency commissions legal in Barcelona rentals?
It depends on the type of rental contract:
For long-term rentals, agencies cannot charge the tenant—the landlord pays the commission.
For temporary rentals, tenants may be charged 10% of the annual rent plus VAT, or one full month’s rent plus VAT.
What’s usually included in a Barcelona rental?
The rent often covers building community fees, property tax (IBI), and waste collection, but utilities (water, gas, electricity) are usually paid by the tenant. Internet is not typically included but is easy to set up.
Can rent be increased every year?
Yes, but only under certain conditions. In long-term contracts, annual rent increases are limited to 3% and must be clearly stated in the contract. Temporary rentals, however, do not have a cap on rent increases and can be raised freely between renewals or new contracts.
