Documentation Required to Rent Your Flat in Barcelona
PUNTO HABITAT
Documents Needed to Rent an Apartment in Barcelona
If you’ve already decided to rent out your apartment in Barcelona, make sure you have all the required documentation ready.
You are the owner of a flat in Barcelona and have decided to put it up for rent. Before starting the rental process, you must prepare the following documentation:
PROPERTY TITLE AND PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
Obviously, in order to rent out a property and sign a lease agreement, you must provide the title deed that grants you full ownership of the property, as well as a valid ID card, NIE, or passport of the owner.
If the property has multiple owners, the documentation for all of them must be provided. In the event that one of the co-owners cannot attend the signing of the contract, a power of attorney must be granted in favor of one of them to sign on behalf of the others.
HABITABILITY CERTIFICATE
The Habitability Certificate is the document that certifies that a dwelling meets the necessary conditions to be inhabited.
It is important to note that, in the city of Barcelona, the validity of the certificate is subject to time limits. Before renting out your apartment, make sure that your certificate has not expired.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE
When renting out your apartment in Barcelona, it is mandatory to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This is an official document issued by a qualified professional (registered architect or engineer) that evaluates the property’s energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
Keep in mind that this certificate is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Therefore, we recommend checking its expiry date before listing your apartment on the rental market.
LEASE AGREEMENT
We recommend that you determine which type of contract is the most suitable to ensure that the rental of your apartment complies with current legislation.
In most cases, it will be governed by the Spanish Urban Leases Act (LAU). However, there are exceptions — for example, temporary rentals — where a different regulation applies, and therefore, a different type of contract must be used.
APPENDICES
Detailed inventory (with photos and condition) as an annex to the contract, signed by both parties.
Latest utility meter readings.
Certificate of up-to-date community fee payments (not mandatory for renting, but it provides security).
Home insurance (property and liability) and, if relevant, rent default insurance.
Expense-sharing clause (community fees, property tax, waste collection fee, etc.) in accordance with LAU art. 20, specifying which costs are passed on and their estimated amount.
RENTAL SECURITY DEPOSITS
Legal amount (mandatory):
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Residential lease: 1 month’s rent.
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Non-residential use (e.g., office): 2 months’ rent.
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The deposit cannot be updated during the first 5 years (7 if the landlord is a legal entity).
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Upon termination, if a refund is due and delayed by more than 1 month, legal interest applies.
Additional guarantees (bank guarantee, extra deposit, rent default insurance): for residential leases up to 5/7 years, they cannot exceed 2 months’ rent in addition to the deposit.
Mandatory deposit in Catalonia (INCASÒL): the landlord must deposit the security deposit with INCASÒL within 2 months after signing and provide the tenant with proof of deposit.
All of the above must be duly recorded and evidenced (INCASÒL receipt, policies, or guarantees).
HOUSEHOLD UTILITIES
After the contract is signed, the tedious yet necessary transfer of the utility accounts for the property (water, electricity, gas, internet, etc.) begins. You must provide the tenant with all the information about the providers and current contract plans so they can proceed with the change immediately.
We recommend closely monitoring the process to ensure all procedures are completed as quickly as possible.
Checklist to Rent Out Your Apartment in Barcelona
Frequently Asked Questions
What minimum documentation do I need to rent out my apartment in Barcelona?
Is the habitability certificate mandatory?
Do I need an energy performance certificate to rent?
How much is the deposit and where is it filed?
How do I file the deposit with INCASÒL step by step?
2) Gather the signed contract and property/tenant data.
3) Complete the online deposit filing process with INCASÒL, filling in details and attaching the contract.
4) Pay the amount and download the receipt; give it to the tenant and keep a copy.
Can I request additional guarantees from the tenant?
How is the rent set if the property is in a “stressed area”?
Permanent residence or temporary rental contract?
Who pays utilities, community fees and property tax (IBI)?
How is the rent updated?
Do I have to pay ITP for a residential lease?
Do you have questions about any part of this guide or renting in Barcelona?
We’re here to help with whatever you need: INCASÒL deposit, contract, habitability and EPC certificates, stressed area rules, inventory, deposit, and more.
Initial advice at no cost.
Trust, experience, and a personal approach in Barcelona’s real estate market.
At PUNTO HABITAT, we have been helping property owners like you sell or rent their homes safely and successfully for over 30 years. We guide you through the entire process with a transparent service tailored to your needs.
- Passport and NIE (if available)
- Last 3 payslips
- Employment contract or social security history
- Tax return or equivalent proof of income
- Bank statements (solvency)
- Landlord references (optional)
- Security deposit and, if required, guarantor
Prepare your passport, NIE (or appointment), company contract or offer letter, international bank statements and insurance. Landlords often request an extra deposit or upfront payment.
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- Company letter with HR contact
- Submit everything in one PDF
- No outstanding debts; provide a certificate if needed
- First month of rent
- Legal deposit (1–2 months)
- Additional guarantees (if requested)
- Agency fee (if applicable)