Your Real Rental Budget
Most expats underestimate the upfront cost of renting in Spain. Use this calculator to see exactly what you'll need on signing day — no surprises.
What type of lease are you signing?
Your move-in cost breakdown
Transferring an active supply into your name (cambio de titular) is usually free. A new electricity connection (alta) instead involves government-regulated one-off fees (derechos de enganche/acceso/extensión), not a refundable deposit — typically €100–200 depending on contracted power. Water companies often ask for a refundable deposit set by the local provider. Broadband activation takes ~2–15 days depending on operator and coverage.
How it works
Renting in Spain costs significantly more upfront than most people expect. Under Spanish rental law (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos, or LAU), the legal deposit (fianza) is 1 month's rent. Additional guarantees are capped at 2 months for standard vivienda leases, for a total guarantee value of up to 3 months. On top of that, you'll typically need to cover the first month's rent. For vivienda habitual (primary residence) leases, the landlord pays agency and contract formalisation costs by law (LAU Art. 20.1, as modified by Ley 12/2023). For seasonal or temporary contracts, the tenant may be charged. This tool calculates your realistic signing-day budget based on your specific situation. All calculations run in your browser. We do not store your inputs or share your data.
- The legal deposit (fianza) is 1 month's rent. Additional guarantees are capped at 2 months for standard vivienda leases, for a total guarantee value of up to 3 months.
- For vivienda habitual (primary residence) leases, the landlord pays agency and contract formalisation costs by law (LAU Art. 20.1, as modified by Ley 12/2023). For seasonal or temporary contracts, the tenant may be charged.
- First month's rent - due on signing in most cases
- Guarantor bond (aval bancario) - an optional bank-issued guarantee some landlords request
- Utility connection deposits - electricity, water, and internet providers sometimes require a small deposit
FAQ
Tool data reviewed monthly. Last verified June 2026. This tool is for estimation purposes only - confirm final figures with a licensed advisor or lawyer.
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