Documents for Tenants: Urgent Repairs in Spain

If you are a tenant in Spain and have an urgent repair in your home, knowing which documents to gather can make the difference to achieve a quick solution and, if appropriate, compensation. This article explains step by step which evidence and procedures are useful: written notices, photos, estimates, payment receipts and communications with the landlord. We also indicate deadlines, where to file claims and how to document inconveniences for possible judicial or administrative actions. We avoid jargon and give practical examples so you understand your rights as a renter and the official channels you can use if the problem is not resolved.

What documents do you need?

• Written notices and communications to the landlord (email, burofax, SMS) with dates.
• Photos and videos showing the problem, with timestamps if possible.
• Estimates and repair reports from professionals that prove the breakdown.
• Receipts and invoices of payments you made for urgent repairs.
• Copy of the rental contract and identification of the parties.
• Technical reports or habitability certificates if they affect health conditions.

Steps before demanding compensation

Before filing a claim, notify the landlord in writing about the problem and give a reasonable deadline to repair. Keep copies of all submissions and responses. If you carry out a repair on your own, keep estimates and proof of payment to claim reimbursement.

• Notify the landlord and give a reasonable deadline to act.
• Keep continuous evidence: photos before and after, conversations and estimates.
• Keep invoices and receipts to claim compensation.

How to file claims and remedies

If the landlord does not repair, you can formally claim and, if there is no solution, go to court. The Urban Leases Act regulates the landlord's basic obligations regarding maintenance and habitability^[1]. Gathering clear documentation speeds up any administrative or judicial process.

Out-of-court claim

• Send a written statement with the facts, evidence and the requested deadline for repair.
• Keep proof of sending (registered mail, burofax or acknowledgment of receipt).

Judicial route

If there is no response, you can file a claim in the Court of First Instance with jurisdiction or request urgent measures in serious cases, such as health risks. Civil claims and procedures are processed in the competent judicial bodies^[2].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do the repair and ask to be reimbursed?

Yes, in general you can pay for urgent repairs and claim reimbursement if the landlord was notified and did not act; keep invoices and proof.

What deadline should I give the landlord to fix it?

It should be a reasonable deadline depending on the urgency of the problem; document the request and the reply to avoid disputes.

Can the landlord deduct from my deposit because I claimed repairs?

They should not use the deposit to cover repairs that are the landlord's responsibility; keep evidence and seek remedies.

How to

1. Gather all documents: contract, notices, photos, estimates and invoices.
2. Send a formal notice to the landlord requesting the repair and a specific deadline.
3. If you authorize an urgent repair, keep the estimate and invoice to claim payment.
4. If there is no solution, file a claim in the Court of First Instance or seek legal advice to start proceedings^[2].

Key takeaways

• Document every step with dates and evidence to make claims more effective.
• Keep estimates and invoices so you can claim compensation.
• Send written communications with proof to facilitate judicial review if necessary.

Help and Support

• [1] BOE: Consolidated text of the Urban Leases Act (Ley 29/1994)
• [2] Ministry of Justice: Information on civil procedures
• [3] Judicial Branch: Guidance on courts and services

1. [1] BOE: Consolidated text of the Urban Leases Act (Ley 29/1994)
2. [2] Judicial Branch: Information on Courts of First Instance