How tenants claim meters and heating in Spain
If you rent in Spain and your building has central heating or collective meters, you may wonder when to request meter individualisation, dispute incorrect readings or demand proper maintenance. As a tenant you have rights related to habitability and cost allocation; there are also deadlines and specific procedures to file complaints with the homeowners association or the landlord.[1] This guide explains, in clear language, what you can claim, what evidence to gather, how to formally request repair or adjustment of the heating and when to go to the courts or official services in Spain.[2]
What you can claim
As a tenant you can claim different issues related to meters and central heating. The usual route is to contact the homeowners association or the landlord first and, if there is no solution, use administrative or judicial channels.
- Repair of the boiler or emitters when the heating does not work correctly.
- Individualisation of meters or request for billing based on actual consumption (when technically feasible).
- Review and correction of bills or charges that do not match your consumption.
- Claims for lack of habitability due to cold, damp or defects in the system.
How to prepare the claim
Gathering evidence and following an orderly procedure increases your chances of success. Start by noting every failure date, take photographs of cold radiators or damp, save utility bills and request the responsible party's intervention in writing (email or certified mail). Keep any response you receive.
Deadlines and addressees
Act promptly: there are usually deadlines to file complaints with the supplier or property manager for consumption and billing issues; for civil claims about breach of maintenance obligations, the route is the Court of First Instance.
Evidence and formal communication
Send a written complaint describing the issue, dates and the compensation sought (if applicable). Demand concrete measures: repair within a deadline, review of readings or meter individualisation. If there is no reply, send certified mail and request a meeting with the community or landlord.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I demand meter individualisation if I am a tenant?
- It depends on the technical situation and community agreements; as a tenant you can request it from the landlord or the community and provide technical documentation that makes it feasible.
- What should I do if central heating does not warm my home?
- Report the problem in writing to the landlord or manager, gather evidence (photos, dates, temperatures) and request repair within a reasonable period.
- When should I go to court?
- If amicable and administrative routes fail, you can file a judicial claim for damages or breach of maintenance before the Court of First Instance.
How to
- Document the problem: dates, photos, readings and bills.
- Notify the landlord or manager in writing (email and certified mail if there is no reply).
- Request repair or individualisation and attach technical proposals if you have them.
- Claim bill corrections with the supplying company if appropriate.
- If there is no solution, file a claim in the Court of First Instance stating the facts and evidence.
Key takeaways
- Keep a clear record of evidence and communications.
- Prioritise written complaints and supplier claims before litigating.
- Go to court only after exhausting prior routes and with solid evidence.
Help and resources
- Consolidated LAU text on BOE
- Ministry of Justice - procedures and forms
- Poder Judicial - court information
