Hi, am I right in thinking that the only documents I need to rent a property is my passport?

Also when renting, do the utility bills get sent to you through the post as they do in the UK?

Thanks

You don't actually need any documents!

With utility bills, there are two answers;

1. If the contract is changed to your name, then you declare where you want bills sent (the property, a PO box or electronically)
2. If the contract is left in the owners name, then the bills are (generally) sent to them. Debits will come from your account.

I seriously doubt whether you could enter into a proper legal rental contract without presenting at least your passport and proof of a bank account.
If you talking about a deal done on just a hand shake a different matter.

In the past, we have rented a property to someone who, for various GOOD reasons, didn't have any documents. WE gave them a legal contract and everyone was happy.

But you are correct, generally speaking, foreigners should have at least an NIE (but better to have a residencia), a bank account and proof of income. Some landlords do accept just a passport but I (as a landlord) would rather they proved that they are legally living in Spain.

Thanks very much for the information. The reasons I asked the original question to be able to rent somewhere is:

I have a non residents bank account but I understand that I can't get a residents bank account until I have an address.

I have an NIE but again I won't be able to get a residents certificate until I have an address.

If I can rent somewhere legally with just my Passport then I will have the opportunity to get all the other documents required.

Or have I got it wrong?

That will be absolutely fine.