How to Rent a Holiday Home in Spain

From the magnificent Costa del Sol coastline to the Balearic Islands, the Basque Country in Northern Spain, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the urban delights of cities like Barcelona and Madrid, there is no dearth of both popular and off-the-track holiday places in Spain. If you are spending a good part of your vacation here, rent a holiday home and enjoy a comfortable stay, with all the privacy and space you want for the entire duration.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Map of Spain
• Street map of your destination
• Passport
• Visa

1. Research the various provinces and regions in Spain and shortlist your destination. Whether you want to simply soak in the sun, enjoy art and culture, play golf, surf off the beach or spend time in the mountains, you can find just the right spot for your holiday.

2. Decide what your budget is, what sort of property you want to rent, for how many people, for what part of the year and for what duration. You can rent a cottage, a chalet, a villa, a townhouse or an apartment.

3. Search online for rental property listings for the area of your choice, and also check the property rental section (inmobiliaria) of local newspapers and magazines. Ask friends and acquaintances in Spain if they know of properties for holiday rental in the area you are visiting.

4. Check the proximity to local shops, restaurants, theaters and clubs. It helps if you can buy groceries without traveling far and wide or can eat out whenever you feel like it. You may also want to socialize and take in some local entertainment.

5. Select your property and contact the owners or the estate agents (agencias inmobiliarias) in charge for the relevant property details.

6. Read the client rental contract carefully and make sure that everything is clear before you sign. If it is in Spanish and you are not fluent, get it translated.

7. Pay about 20 to 50 percent of the total amount upfront, and the balance about a month before arrival. Pay by credit card, check or bank transfer. Some owners also ask for a refundable deposit to ensure against any damage to the property.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the contract lists all the items in the property, and check that they are all there when you arrive.
• Check that all electrical appliances are in working order.
• Rent a car to get around.
• Utility bills and community fees may be included in the rent.

Resources

• A complete guide to travel tourism and living in Spain
• Holiday rentals in Spain

[rayjsm]

on 2/21/2009 Thanks for sharing. Good resources 5* and rec