Documents for Tenants in Spain
As a tenant in Spain it is essential to know which documents to keep to negotiate agreements or, if necessary, enforce obligations related to maintenance and repairs. This guide plainly explains which contracts, receipts, communications and dated photos can help support claims, who typically bears costs and when it is necessary to go to court. Keeping a clear record of payments, repair requests and the landlord's responses makes it easier to reach amicable solutions and, if not possible, to file an effective claim in the Court of First Instance. The Urban Leases Act and procedural rules guide these processes and it is useful to consult them for deadlines and requirements.[1]
What documents serve for an agreement and its enforcement?
Gather evidence that shows obligations and breaches: contract, receipts and communications that demonstrate dates, contacts and expenses. Include estimates or invoices for repairs, technical reports and dated photos. If you made formal requests to the landlord, keep copies of letters or emails; lack of response can be decisive in a claim or lawsuit.
- Signed lease agreement (rent)
- Payment receipts and proof of deposit (payment deposit)
- Written communications and notices to the landlord (notice)
- Photos and damage logs with dates (photo evidence)
- Estimates or invoices for repairs and costs (repair)
- Technical or expert reports when applicable (report)
How to use the documents in agreements and enforcement
To negotiate an agreement, present a clear summary of facts and evidence: dates, amounts and communications. Offer a written proposal that includes reasonable deadlines for repair or reimbursement. If the landlord refuses or does not respond, prepare a file with organized copies of all documents to submit to the court or to request mediation.
If you decide to claim in court, the Court of First Instance is competent for claims related to leases and repairs. Civil Procedure Law regulates eviction and claims procedures; therefore it is useful to review the requirements for the claim and the procedural deadlines before filing.[2]
Preguntas frecuentes
- Do I need a written contract to claim?
- Not always, but a written contract makes it easier to prove terms, deadlines and obligations; if absent, other documents and witnesses may serve as evidence.
- What about the security deposit?
- The deposit is used for damages or unpaid rent according to the contract; keep the delivery receipt and any communication about its return.
- Can I claim repair costs if the landlord does not act?
- Yes, if you proved the repair request and the harm; keep invoices and prior notices to the landlord.
How-To
- Gather and organize all relevant documents and photographs (evidence).
- Send a written request to the landlord with a reasonable deadline for repair (notice).
- If there is no response, consult advice or file a claim in court if appropriate (court).
- Attend the hearing with clear copies and an index of evidence to aid assessment (evidence).
Key takeaways
- An organized file increases chances of resolving complaints.
- Always send written communications when requesting repairs.
- If there is no solution, the Court of First Instance is the route to enforce rights.
