Long-Term Rentals in Spain: How to Protect Yourself from Hidden Pitfalls and Secure Your Home

In recent years, rental housing in Spain has become one of the most sensitive and widely discussed topics—both for tenants and property owners. Amid rising property prices and growing competition for quality rental homes, many tenants rush into signing rental agreements without reading the fine print or fully understanding what they are agreeing to. Yet, one overlooked clause could cost you peace of mind, stability—or worse, your home.

What Has Changed: Automatic Lease Renewal and Tenant Rights

In 2019, significant amendments were introduced to Spain’s Urban Lease Law (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos), aimed at strengthening tenant protections. Under the current law:

• If the lease term is less than five years (for individual landlords) or seven years (for corporate landlords), the agreement is automatically renewed on a yearly basis until the minimum term is met.
• After this, if neither party objects, the lease can be further extended by three years, again automatically.

In practice, this means that you can remain in the property for eight to ten years, provided that all conditions are met and the contract is properly structured. But here’s where it gets tricky.

Where’s the Catch: How Some Landlords Bypass the 5–7 Year Rule

Some landlords, reluctant to commit their property to a single tenant for an extended period, resort to legal maneuvers. One common tactic is to insert a clause that undermines the automatic renewal period—or to use language in the lease that seems harmless, but actually puts the tenant at a disadvantage.

Typical examples include:

• Phrasing that suggests the tenant voluntarily waives their right to renewal.
• Classifying the rental as “strictly short-term.”
• Relying on the tenant’s failure to give two months’ notice before the contract ends—allowing the landlord to terminate it.

As a result, tenants may find themselves being asked to leave after just one year, despite having expected to stay much longer.

Can You Protect Yourself? Yes—If You Know How to Read the Contract

To avoid these and other hidden pitfalls, you need to review the lease agreement thoroughly before signing it. Pay close attention to:

• The clauses on automatic renewal.
• Any wording that limits the rental term without legal grounds.
• Circumstances under which the landlord can legally deny renewal.
• What to do if the landlord claims the property is needed for a relative—and how to challenge that claim.

Having this knowledge allows you to not only be informed, but also to assert your rights—even in court if necessary.

Your Rental Lawyer — A Personal Guarantee of Safety

We understand how difficult it can be to navigate the legal details of a rental contract without a legal background. That’s why our legal team offers professional support at every stage of your rental process:

• Reviewing and analyzing lease agreements before you sign.
• Drafting amendments to protect your interests.
• Advising you in disputes with landlords.
• Representing you in court in cases of unlawful eviction or refusal to renew.

We’ve already helped dozens of clients keep their homes, even when landlords tried to bend the law. We work with both private tenants and foreign residents renting long-term in Spain.

Conclusion: You Can Live in a Rental for 8–10 Years—If Everything Is Set Up Right From the Start

Yes, the law protects tenants. But there is often a wide gap between what the law says and what you actually sign. Don’t let legal technicalities work against you.

There are many legal options and flexible solutions that can be included in your rental contract. A qualified lawyer will always advise you on how to avoid clauses that deny your right to long-term tenancy. Don’t gamble with your living situation—speak to an expert before signing anything.

Call us or send a request today—so your contract works for you, not against you.