When we arrive in february we plan to look for a rental property.Do we have to have an N.I.E. number to be able to do that.Ive heard it can take up to 5 weeks to obtain one.Will that stop us renting for that time?

You don't need an N.I.E. number to rent a property, only for major purchases.

You will not need an NIE for renting, your rental is a private contract, but I would ensure that you do get a contract to safeguard yourself at least.. however you will need one for any legal dealings, you don't even need one to open a bank account.

Also it cn take a hell of a lot longer than 5 weeks to get your number through haha. All depends on where you are. I know 2 people who are still waiting a year and a half on.

regarding nie it depends on what area you are going to. i got mine from fuengirola and we went one week then had to go back the next week to get the nie. my daughter got her the same day but.. made a appointment before hand. The rental company we used was very good she gave us the forms(even though they were the wrong ones Ha Ha) for nie and she requested we opened a spanish bank account so we could pay the money by direct debit. She was really helpful

Thanks for the advice.We were only wondering about paying the utility bills etc.we thought we needed the NIE for those.

no the estate agent does that, but she will want number when you get it

If you are renting, the landlord should be taking care of the bills.
You will need a rental agreement and probably your passports to be able to go on the empadronimiento at the town hall, which in turn will allow you to apply for your NIE.
Regards
Tim

As far as I know (and I may be wrong) I thought you could get an instant NIE number at some offices - Alicante being one - I am almost sure that if clients want one instantly we take them there

It took me a month to get mine after a queue to be seen, but now things have changed and you make an appointment now.

Not all rental agreements include utillities.

Get an NIE because everybody asks for it, even petrol stations when you ask for a factura.

Although I used to make it up.

Most people you deal with that involves procedures and money, don`t follow the rule book.

You can bet if you ask somebody what you need, someone else will tell you different.

In Spain if your told over the phone you don`t need photocopies always take 5.