You want to rent an apartment in Barcelona, but you’re wondering what happens in the event of broken equipment or a damaged wall, for example: who pays? The tenant or the landlord? Your Loca Barcelona real estate agency explains how you can pay for apartment repairs in Barcelona.
Legal provisions governing the need for repairs
The Urban Leases Act, published in 1994, governs the legal provisions for renting an apartment in Barcelona. Among other things, this law requires tenants to lodge a security deposit equivalent to at least 1 month’s rent for an unfurnished apartment and 2 months’ rent for a furnished apartment. In the event of damage caused by the occupant, the deposit is used to reimburse the damage at the end of the lease. If the property is returned to in the same condition as on arrival, the deposit is returned to the tenant.
Another guarantee may be required. This is the rental bank guarantee: a specific sum is deposited in a special bank account and the tenant must not withdraw it before the end of the contract. The amount varies between 3 and 12 months’ rent.
Specialized in short-term and long-term apartment rentals, Loca Barcelona assists you in the event of a dispute with the landlord, and acts as an intermediary to resolve the conflict.
In short, payment for repairs to an apartment depends on the severity of the problem and the circumstances that led to the need to call in a professional craftsman. That’s why it’s a good idea to take out home insurance in Spain to avoid unnecessary costs.
Common rental repairs and their payment
The rental contract is a document to be read carefully, as the various clauses indicate the responsibilities of each party. If nothing is specified regarding repairs, the law governing urban leases must be applied.
What does the law say? Costs related to structural damage or deterioration of the property are to be borne by the owner, while the tenant is responsible for repairs due to wear and tear or misuse of the equipment.
The Obligations of the Landlord
For example, the landlord is responsible for any repairs that may affect the building’s sanitation and the tenant’s health. Their role is to ensure the structural integrity of the property.
In summary, major repairs due to wear and tear, such as replacing large appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, stove, etc.), replacing the water heater, or the sofa, fall under the landlord’s responsibility. Similarly, repairs to the floors and walls due to wear and tear are also the landlord’s obligation.
The Obligations of the Tenant
In the case of a long-term rental in Barcelona, the tenant must report any urgent repairs that affect the habitability of the property. If they fail to do so and the situation worsens, they could be held responsible.
What are the wear-and-tear repairs that may be the tenant’s responsibility?
- Installing a new floor if the old one is irreparable or stained;
- Repainting the walls if they have been damaged by children;
- Unclogging drains, repairing leaks, etc.
In conclusion, the repair costs that fall on the tenant are usually minor. These might include a broken window or replacing light bulbs. If you want more information on this subject, you can ask your real estate agent at Loca Barcelona, known for the quality of their customer service.
