Renting in Spain - Problems
 

Hello, we recently moved to Valencia to rent and work, we have jobs available to us here in Valencia just not right at this moment (2-3 weeks) however we are having difficulty in renting at the moment.

We keep getting told we need proof that we can pay rent which is understandable however without jobs we would obviously need a guarantor (a friend or family). This isn't a problem at all but my question is how do you go about this as if memory serves right a guarantor's signature would be needed as well as a lot of paperwork from them. Would this simply be done electronically instead?

Any response regarding this would be much appreciated as we are struggling a little with the whole thing. Thank you.

Re: Renting in Spain - Problems
 

Why not simply show any prospective landlord a copy of the letter making the job offer. This will clearly show that it is a legitimate offer of employment here in Spain and that you will be able to afford the rent!

Re: Renting in Spain - Problems
 

Has anyone stated precisely what form of "proof" is required? A tax declaration? Financial statement? Job contract?

This kind of thing isn't that common here in the islands - but some do ask for it. Most people either provide a copy of their job contract, or a UK tax declaration.

If it's only the owner than wants this (not some official public filing), I suspect that many people who are in chicken and egg situations like this probably just forge something temporarily just to get out of the never-ending circle. Whilst I am not suggesting you do so, and many would question the ethics of this, it might be worth considering that conversely, many owners would happily promise almost anything or otherwise misrepresent the agreement or the property strictly in the interest of closing the deal and moving on.

Re: Renting in Spain - Problems
 

We were told that due to not officially starting the job that we would need a guarantor. From this guarantor they would need to provide; bank statements, annual earnings from the previous year and obviously be willing to take on full financial support in the unlikely event something goes wrong. We have guarantor's set up back in UK who are willing to do all this but I have read some very contradictory things; our guarantor must be in Spain to physically sign and some saying that we cannot use a guarantor at all.

Thank you both for the very quick reply; sadly this is all so confusing. :P

Re: Renting in Spain - Problems
 

As a landlord in the Valencia region, I would happily accept a copy of the job offer with a copy of your acceptance to this offer.


There are so many properties for rent in Valencia that I can't really see that it's much of a problem, find another (and/or agent) that does not require this sort of proof.


It's a tenants market!!!!!

Re: Renting in Spain - Problems
 

hi from the France forum, where the same applies. The landlord wants to see three payslips to show that you've got through the trial period. The Guarantors must justify that their monthly INCOME (not the bank balance) is 4 times the rent, and provide all manner of documents to prove their own existence. French OH and myself are Guarantors for our daughters who are both living in Germany. We didn't have to go in person to sign the lease, but had to send all this documentation beforehand.
It seems that Continental Europe is applying the same rules - hope this helps!:)

Re: Renting in Spain - Problems
 

Being a guarantor is quite an onerous responsibility and not one that I would do even for my own family. I would guess it would need to be signed in spain and witnessed by a notary?

As has been suggested, look for a.n.other property / more understanding agent / LL.

It is quite easy for tenants to obtain hooky salary documents and salary slips.

Re: Renting in Spain - Problems
 

Have you been told this by different landlords or just one?! I viewed several apartments in valencia city last summer and was never asked for proof of income. In fact, I didnt even have a job at that time.

Re: Renting in Spain - Problems
 

I guess it's a sign of the times - although as snikpoh says there must be many other properties available without such requirements


in nearly 9 years here I've never been asked for proof of income though

Re: Renting in Spain - Problems
 

Me neither & we are both self employed.
Go else where.
And make sure you get a proper legal contract.

Suzi

Re: Renting in Spain - Problems
 

Ah thank you VERY much. We are currently looking around else where now but not having THAT much luck as not many estate agents appear to speak good enough English. We are currently using Idealista but if anyone can suggest any other better ones that would be great!

Once again thank you everyone for clearing this up, makes me feel a lot more at ease! :D

Re: Renting in Spain - Problems
 

Can't you do a short term rent (for say 2-3 weeks, bit like a holiday!) and then sort out long term rental once you start your employment (in 2-3 weeks time)?

Re: Renting in Spain - Problems
 

I used idealista, loquo.es and fotocasa.es, the estate agents were rubbish..not at all helpful! Good luck! :thumbsup:

Re: Renting in Spain - Problems
 

When I came to Málaga for a job I was asked not only for proof of income but also for an aval bancario - the landlord wanted the year's rent deposited out of my reach as a guarantee.

I said no, thank you very much, I'd look for something else. He backed down. All I had was a letter offering me a job which I hadn't started yet.

There is no legal requirement to provide proof, it depends on the landlord, so just keep looking.

Re: Renting in Spain - Problems
 

Agreed totally with RachelK. In the past it was easy to get an aval bancario, they mostly don't exist now. However landlords tend to be living in the past and do not see the changes that have taken place. They especially do not realize that for most foreigners coming into the country that a guarantor is impossible to get and yet the tenants who pay better are generally foreign.