We will be arriving in Spain in October this year and looking for an 11 month rental contract.

What are we likely to be asked for in the way of references? We will have retired so won't be able to provide employment references but will be able to show proof of income from 3 pensions between us. Will that be sufficient for proof of funding?

What about other references, how many are we likely to be asked for and from whom?

We're asking from the point of view of being prepared before we arrive here.

I shouldn't really say this but, as a landlord, we don't take references! We tried some time back but the prospective tenants simply went elsewhere.

It's such a buyers market that I don't think you'll have an issue.

We do check that people are in employment (if they say they are).

I am hoping to come over and rent a place long term by next year, I am on DLA and I know I can bring part of that with me, for the rest of my income my partner will be paying the rent and all the bills for me, will this be easy enough to do or should I forget it now.

no one has ever asked us for a reference - or even asked if we'r ein employment

I have to say it has always amazed me!!

I'm amazed! We're renting out our UK house when we move and our rental agent takes up 3 references, one of which must be employment

We're coming over in a few weeks and some friends who visit their holiday home regularly have found us a couple of likely long term rentals agents, we'll make enquiries and see what we need.

I must admit if they are lax about references it will save us some problems, as part of our preparations for moving we've just switched banks so our new bank don't have any history on us.

Lambs to the slaughter!!!

11 month contract. Why? It has no legal significance. Demand a proper contract. Only L.A.U. has legal significance. Anything that does not comply with LAU is automatically considered void.

No references needed. Anybody asks, just laugh and walk on by.

No proof of income necessary. Again, tell em to take it or leave it.


You are the tenant. You are in charge. You set the rules. No compromise.

Most importantly, be DISPASSIONATE at all times. Landlords are not your friend.

ooh I missed that bit about the 11 month contract!!!

I really don't understand why agents still think (or do they really or do they just think we're all stupid) that these 'contracts' have any legality at all!!

We don't know how long we want to stay in the rental accomodation, we may want to stay longer than 11 months or we may want to move elsewhere after that period.

What do we ask for? What do we need the contract to state?

Why tie yourself into an 11 month contract (and remember landlords are not inclined to extend such contracts). Let's say you do and suddenly you learn that this area or location within the area is not for you. I recommend you rent nowhere for any longer than eight weeks. If you do enjoy the area usually you can lengthen your stay. However, if the landlord has the place rented out then, it is easy to pick up other rentals.

the 11 month 'contracts' usually state that they are temporary (temporal), and often have clauses in them that you have to stay 11 months & if you want to leave before that time is up you still have to pay for the 11 months - not that it's legally enforcable

the point though, is that if it's your only/main residence in Spain it doesn't really matter what the 'contract' says - the LAU applies anyway, and you only have to give a month notice if you want to leave at any time - & so do all other LAU conditions apply

better all round though to have a proper 'vivienda' contract from the start

here's a link to the LAU - put the link into googletranslate - it does a reasonable job

http://noticias.juridicas.com/base_d.../l29-1994.html

I agree, no-one ever asked us, although we always went armed with bank statements, NIE, residencia etc.