Biggest 6 Mistakes People Make When Renting in Barcelona
renting in barcelona looks easy from the outside, but once you're actually searching, things get real fast.
Apartments disappear in hours, scams are everywhere, and the rules aren't always clear , especially if you're new to Spain.
Most people dont fail because they're careless, but because no one tells them how brutal and fast this market really is.
You learn the hard way, usually after losing money, time, or both.
The mistakes below aren't rare edge cases.
They're things almost everyone does at least once when renting in Barcelona.
If you avoid these six, you'll already be ahead of most people hunting for a flat here.
Table of Contents
- 1. Paying Before a Viewing
- 2. Lacking Required Documents
- 3. Trusting Verbal Agreements
- 4. Falling for the "Temporal" Contract
- 5. Skipping the Inventory Proof
- 6. Underestimating Total Costs
- References
- Images Sources
1. Paying Before a Viewing
A lot of scams in barcelona start with urgency.
you're told the apartment is "very popular" and you need to send a reservation fee immediately to secure it.
Scammers often pretend to be landlords living abroad or agents who "can't show the flat right now." They'll send photos, documents, even fake contracts to look legit.
Once the money is sent, the apartment magically disappears , and so does the contact.
There's no flat, no keys, no refund.
a simple rule saves you every time: if you haven't physically entered the apartment, you don't send money.
ever.
common red flags
| Red flag | what it usually means |
|---|---|
| Landlord abroad | classic scam setup |
| Pressure to pay today | They want fast money |
| No in-person viewing | likely fake listing |
2. Lacking Required Documents
barcelona's rental market moves insanely fast.
When a good flat appears, landlords expect documents within hours, not days.
If you say "I'll send them tomorrow," the apartment is already gone.
someone else was ready.
Newcomers often underestimate this and start viewing without having anything prepared.
That's how you lose great places you actually liked.
Having everything ready doesnt guarantee you'll get the flat, but not having it guarantees you won't.
documents landlords usually ask for
nIE
work contract
last 2-3 payslips
Bank details or guarantor info
3. Trusting Verbal Agreements
Barcelona rentals often feel informal at first.
agents say things like "dont worry, its included" or "we'll fix that later."
If its not written in the contract, it basically doesnt exist.
verbal promises disappear the moment theres a problem.
things like who pays community fees, iBI, or repairs become arguments months later , and you usually lose.
always read the contract slowly, ask questions, and dont feel awkward pushing back.
It's normal here, and expected.
always confirm in writing
| Item | must be in contract |
|---|---|
| community fees | Yes |
| iBI tax | yes |
| Repairs | Yes |
4. Falling for the "Temporal" Contract
Many landlords offer 11-month "temporal" contracts even when you plan to live long-term.
It sounds harmless, but it changes your rights a lot.
these contracts are meant for short stays like studies or temporary work, not permanent living.
but they're often misused.
with a temporal contract, tenant protections are weaker, rent increases are easier, and renewals aren't guaranteed.
Before signing, ask yourself honestly: is this your main home?
If yes, you should question why its not a standard contract.
5. Skipping the Inventory Proof
Move-in day is exciting, so people rush through it.
Big mistake.
if you dont document the apartment's condition properly, anything broken later magically becomes your fault.
Landlords often keep deposits over "damage" that was already there , especially if theres no proof.
Take photos of everything.
Scratches, stains, appliances, walls.
it feels annoying, but it saves money later.
What to photograph on day one
Walls and floors
Appliances working
Furniture condition
Meters and switches
6. Underestimating Total Costs
many renters focus only on monthly rent and forget everything else.
Barcelona rentals come with heavy upfront and ongoing costs.
You'll likely pay a legal deposit, extra guarantees, agency fees, and high utilities , especially in older buildings.
Electricity bills in winter or summer can shock newcomers who aren't used to poor insulation.
Planning for the full cost upfront helps avoid stress and bad decisions later.
Typical upfront costs
| Cost type | typical amount |
|---|---|
| Fianza | 1 month |
| Extra guarantee | 1-2 months |
| utilities setup | Varies |
renting in barcelona isnt impossible, but its definitely unforgiving.
most problems dont come from bad luck , they come from missing small details early on.
If you slow down just enough to check documents, contracts, and costs, you avoid 90% of the pain people complain about later.
the city is amazing once you're settled.
the hardest part is just getting through the rental maze without losing money or sanity.
Learn from others' mistakes, and your barcelona experience starts on the right foot.
Sources and References
Generalitat de Catalunya - Housing & Rental Law (INCASÒL)
Barcelona City Council - Tenant Information
Spanish Urban Leasing Law (LAU)
Consumer protection advisories on rental scams in Spain
Images Sources and Attributions
All images used within this page have been sourced from Wikimedia Commons. They are used here strictly for informational and illustrative purposes.
