Exchange student housing Spain can be exciting and stressful at the same time. You are moving to a new country, often signing a contract in a language you do not fully master. Many international students only see the room online and worry about scams, unfair clauses or losing their deposit. With the right information and support, you can reduce risk and choose housing that is safe and legally sound.
Typical Housing Options for Exchange Students in Spain
Most exchange and Erasmus students choose between four main options. These are shared flats, rooms in family homes, student residences and private coliving style buildings. Each option offers a different balance of price, privacy and services.
Shared flats are popular. You rent one room and share kitchen and bathroom with other students or young workers. This can be cheap and social, but it also requires clear agreements on cleaning, visitors and bills. You should always know who the landlord is and who is simply a flatmate.
Student residences and private dorms usually include services such as cleaning, reception and common areas. Contracts can look more like service agreements than classic rentals. It is important to read what is included and what is optional. Some residences are linked to universities, others are purely private.
Family homes and homestays can be a good option if you want language practice and support. Here, house rules matter a lot. Clarify expectations on meals, visitors and quiet hours. In all cases, you should have written terms. Avoid purely verbal promises, especially when money moves before you arrive.
Spotting and Avoiding Rental Scams Targeting Foreign Students
Sadly, some people take advantage of international students. Scam attempts often target short stays and first time renters. You may receive messages in English that sound friendly but insist on fast payment. It is essential to stay calm, ask questions and accept that a good offer can disappear if it is not genuine.
Red flags in online ads and fake agencies
Certain warning signs appear again and again. These include very low prices for central locations, perfect photos that look like hotel promotional images and landlords who refuse video calls. Another red flag is when the person cannot show the property live but claims a friend will give you keys later.
Fake agencies may use names similar to known brands. They create pressure with phrases like “many other students are interested” or “you must pay the full semester today”. They may send copied passports or fake contracts to appear legitimate. Always check if the name of the agency appears in official registers or independent reviews, not only on their own website.
If something feels strange, take a step back. Ask for basic details, such as the full address, the landlord’s name and a live video tour. Compare the ad with other listings for the same area. If the style or price is very different, be extra careful.
Safe ways to pay deposits and rent from abroad
Never send cash, gift cards or payments through informal apps to someone you do not know. Bank transfers are more traceable than many other methods. Still, you should only transfer money after you have seen a real contract and checked the landlord or residence.
Avoid paying the full semester before you arrive. A reasonable deposit plus the first month’s rent is more common. If an agency insists on full payment upfront, ask why and ask for written policies. Keep screenshots of adverts, email chains and payment confirmations. These documents can help if you need to prove a scam or dispute later.
Using a known student residence, a trusted university list or a platform with clear protection rules is often safer. When in doubt, a lawyer for student rental Spain can review the contract and payment conditions before you send money. A short review now can save you months of stress later.
Key Clauses to Check in Your Spanish Rental Contract
Even short contracts can hide important points. Before signing, read slowly and ask for a copy in advance. If the contract is only in Spanish and you do not understand it, ask for a translation or a summary in a language you know.
Duration, deposit, utilities and early termination
Check the start and end dates. Make sure they match your academic calendar, including exam and retake periods. Confirm if the contract renews automatically and under which conditions. The duration affects how easy it is to leave early without penalty.
Look at the deposit clause. It should state how much you pay, where it is held and when it will be returned. In many regions, landlords must lodge deposits with an official body. Ask how this works in the region where you will live.
Utilities can be included or separate. If they are separate, check how they will be calculated and how many people share the bills. For early termination, look for rules on notice periods and possible compensation. Do not assume you can just leave once classes end.
Who pays for repairs and community charges?
The contract should say who pays for small repairs and who pays for larger ones. As a general idea, landlords usually handle structural issues, while tenants handle small damage caused by daily use. However, contracts may change this balance.
Community charges are another point. These cover building cleaning, lifts and shared areas. Many landlords include them in the rent. Others charge them separately. Make sure the contract says clearly who pays. If not, ask for clarification in writing before you sign.
What Are Your Rights as an International Tenant in Spain?
Your rights do not disappear because you are a foreigner or a short term tenant. In many cases, you enjoy the same basic student tenancy rights Spain residents have. These include the right to a habitable property, respect for your privacy and protection against arbitrary eviction.
A landlord cannot enter your room or flat without permission except in limited emergency situations. They should give notice before visits for repairs or viewings. You also have the right to receive receipts for payments and, where applicable, a copy of the deposit registration.
If the housing is unsafe, extremely damaged or very different from what was promised, you may have options. These include asking for repairs, a rent reduction or, in serious cases, ending the contract. Exact solutions depend on the facts and local law. It is important to document problems with photos, videos and written messages from the start.
How to React If Things Go Wrong: Non-Refunded Deposits, Overcrowding, Harassment
Problems can appear even with careful planning. Common issues include landlords refusing to return deposits, adding unexpected charges or allowing too many people to live in the same flat. Some students also experience threats, pressure to leave or constant unannounced visits.
If your deposit is not returned, ask for a written explanation. Compare it with the contract and with the condition of the flat when you left. Send a polite but firm letter or email, listing facts and attaching photos. In some regions, you can start a simple claim process. A lawyer can help you choose the best route.
Overcrowding and harassment affect your safety and mental health. If the situation feels unsafe, speak with your university international office or local student union. They often have experience with similar cases. Support in disputes with landlords, agencies or flatmates may also be needed. Do not ignore serious problems, especially if you feel threatened or if basic health and safety rules are not respected.
When It’s Time to Call a Lawyer and How Mecan Legal Helps Students
• Before signing a contract that you do not fully understand, especially if you must pay a large deposit from abroad.
• When a landlord or agency refuses to return a deposit without clear reason or adds unfair penalties.
• If the housing is unsafe, overcrowded or very different from the advert and the landlord will not cooperate.
• When you receive legal documents, court notices or threats of eviction that you cannot interpret.
• If you want to negotiate an early exit or a change in terms but fear losing all your money.
A lawyer is not only for trials. Many problems can be solved early with a clear letter, a call or a negotiated agreement. Mecan Legal offers legal review of student and long-term rental contracts so you know what you are signing before you commit. If the conflict escalates, we can also explain your options for court action when negotiation with landlords fails.
Our goal is to protect your rights without turning your exchange into a legal battle. We aim for practical, quick solutions whenever possible. With proper advice, you can enjoy your time in Spain, travel, learn the language and make friends, while feeling supported if housing problems appear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to sign a rental contract and pay a deposit before arriving in Spain?
It can be safe if you take precautions. Always check the landlord or residence, ask for a full contract in advance and avoid paying the full stay upfront. Use traceable payment methods and keep all documents. When in doubt, ask a lawyer or your university to review the offer before you send money.
How much deposit can a landlord legally ask from an exchange student?
Rules vary by region and contract type, but there are usually limits on compulsory deposits. Some landlords also ask for extra guarantees, such as additional months or a bank guarantee. You should receive a clear breakdown of all upfront payments. If the total seems excessive, seek advice before agreeing.
What can I do if the room or flat is very different from the advert?
Take photos and videos as soon as you arrive. Compare them with the advert and the contract. Contact the landlord or agency in writing and describe the differences. You may be able to negotiate a lower rent, repairs or, in serious cases, a change of property or early termination. Legal help is useful if the owner refuses to cooperate.
Can I leave the apartment earlier than agreed if my exchange ends sooner?
It depends on the contract. Some agreements include early termination clauses with a notice period and fixed penalty. Others are stricter. Check the written terms and talk to the landlord as early as possible. Even where the contract is rigid, a negotiated solution is sometimes possible, especially if a new tenant can be found.