Barcelona has a “strained” housing market. In other words, it is a municipality in which rental prices are not affordable for most people. For this reason, rent is capped and can in no event exceed the rent reference index. Check this indicator before signing a contract. In order to make sure the flats you are considering are within your means, bear in mind that rental prices vary greatly between areas. 

Before you sign the lease, you must have all the information about the conditions of the property and the security deposit, the estate agent’s fees, the total amount of rent, the terms and conditions of termination and the method for adjusting the rent on renewal. Remember that contracts must have a minimum duration of five years and the amount of the security deposit may not be greater than two months’ rent. If the lessor is a legal person, the contract must have a duration of up to seven years. When you sign it, you must be given the energy efficiency certificate and the certificate of habitability.

Once you have moved in, any necessary upkeep repairs must be carried out by the owner. Remember that you are not allowed to carry out works without the owner’s consent. You are responsible for any repairs required due to daily wear and tear.

If you want to make a claim, contact the estate agent using an official form made available for this purpose or a method that provides a record of the claim. If you do not receive a response within 30 days, contact the Municipal Consumer Information Office. If the lease is between private individuals, you will have to resort to mediation through the Ministry of Justice in order to avoid going to court.