Good to know · Housing

Rent a home: your rights under the LAU

How renting a home works in Spain under the national Urban Leases Law (LAU, Ley 29/1994), as the BOE consolidated text read on 20 October 2026 states it: a contract for your habitual home runs at least 5 years (7 if the landlord is a company), you can leave after 6 months with 30 days' notice and no compensation, the deposit (fianza) is one month’s rent, extra guarantees are capped at two months, agency and contract fees are the landlord’s, and rent can only be updated once a year if the contract says so. Several of these rules changed in October 2026 through decree-laws; check the BOE text in force on the date that matters to you.

Why it matters

Most newcomers rent first. Knowing the legal defaults (length, deposit, fees, yearly updates) helps you spot a contract or a request for money that goes against them. This is general information, not legal advice: where your situation depends on the contract, check with your regional housing office or a lawyer.

When

Signing, renewing, or ending a rental contract for a home in Spain.

How long it takes

Habitual home: at least 5 years (7 with a company landlord) through yearly extensions the tenant can decline with 30 days' notice; you can leave after 6 months with 30 days' notice. Temporary lease: more than 31 days and, as a general rule, no more than 12 months.

Official page

Ley 29/1994, de 24 de noviembre, de Arrendamientos Urbanos (consolidated text, last updated 07/10/2026): Arts. 2.3, 7.2, 9.1, 9 bis, 10, 11, 17.6-17.7, 18.1, 20.2, 36 and additional provision 3

Last checked

20 Oct 2026

Next check by

14 Nov 2026