The areas I'm looking at are Andalucian cities, Estepona, Las Palmas or Barcelona
Other - Spain - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You go to a real estate agent, You find a place you like. You negotiate if you think they are flexible. You sign a lease. You pay your rent, and move in. (1 month security deposit is normal).
2 :
You may choose to do this privately or through an Agent. If you choose to do it privately you will be well advised to ensure that all aspects of the terms and contract are fully legal, as many people choose to do this on a a "cash" basis. On the other hand some Agents all charge a finders fee to both the Tenant and Landlord for their services. Here is a link that may be of some interest to you - http://www.tumbit.com/how-to-guides/articles/30-property-rental-the-tennant.html
3 :
As landlord or tennant? Either way, it is easy. Most rents ask for three months rent up front. Two months deposit (which is very difficult to get back) and one (or two ) month's rent in advance. Personally I would only give one month's rent as a deposit or go else where. Short term rental agreements are very simple and easy to understand. Always take local advice. Avoid any agency that has not got lots of years in the business. API agencies are the only ones to deal with if you have no local knowledge and cannot read the Spanish contract yourself.
4 :
When I first looked into renting in Spain, I was quite surprised to discover the huge percentage of rental property available furnished. I was also surprised at the cost-per-square-foot, and the average age of both property and furnishings, but most surprising was the 'three-months-up-front' that most landlords demanded. One for the security-deposit, one for the first month, and one for the realtor. Given the difficulty to evict tenants (okupas) in Spain, it may be understandable, but you are likely to find a better deal if you can find a rental property without an agent, and if you provide yourself enough time to negotiate. Especially nowadays, negotiate.
