How to Request Help for Tenants in Spain
If you are a tenant in Spain and need to request help from the autonomous community for expenses or utilities, this practical guide explains the steps to follow and the rights you have. Here you will find information on who pays community fees, the IBI, waste taxes and utilities such as water, electricity and gas; when the landlord must cover repairs and how to make claims with documentation. It includes deadlines, official resources and mediation options before going to court. It is aimed at people without legal knowledge, with clear examples, action models and links to official sources that will help you defend your housing and avoid financial surprises.
What the autonomous community can do
Autonomous communities offer different aid programs for utilities and social assistance depending on the region: social tariffs, help with utility payments, mediation in housing disputes and support programs for families at risk of exclusion. These resources vary by community and usually require income documentation and the rental contract.
Expenses and utilities: who pays what
- Community fees are usually the responsibility of the landlord, unless the contract states otherwise.
- The IBI is paid by the person listed as the cadastral holder, normally the landlord, unless otherwise agreed.
- Waste collection fees depend on the Town Hall and are generally paid by the owner or the cadastral holder.
- Utilities (water, electricity and gas) are paid by whoever has the services contracted; check the contract and bills to verify responsibilities.
- Repairs necessary for habitability correspond to the landlord, except for minor repairs due to ordinary use agreed in the contract.
How to claim and deadlines
- Document the problem: contracts, receipts, photos and communications.
- Send a written claim to the landlord and, if applicable, to the homeowners' association, keeping proof.
- Request mediation from the autonomous community services or consumer offices before initiating legal action.
- If there is no solution, consider filing a claim before the Court of First Instance; respect prescription and notification deadlines.
Your rights under the law
The Urban Leases Act and the Civil Code regulate the obligations of landlords and tenants in Spain[1]. Eviction and claims for amounts are processed through civil courts before the Courts of First Instance, with formal requirements and deadlines that should be followed[2].
Frequently asked questions
- Who pays the community fees and the IBI?
- It depends on the contract; usually the community fees are borne by the landlord and the IBI is paid by whoever appears as the taxpayer, unless otherwise agreed.
- Who pays water, electricity and gas?
- Utilities are paid by whoever contracts the service or as agreed in the contract; if unclear, check bills and registration proofs.
- What do I do if the landlord does not repair habitability problems?
- Document the situation, demand the repair in writing, request mediation from the autonomous community and, if there is no response, consider judicial action.
How to
- Gather documents: contract, receipts, photos and communications.
- Contact the landlord and homeowners' association in writing, requesting repair or clarification.
- Apply for aid or mediation in the autonomous community providing the required documentation.
- If there is no solution, file a formal claim and prepare the judicial route with legal support if necessary.
Key takeaways
- The landlord is responsible for repairs affecting habitability.
- Utilities are paid by whoever contracts them, unless the contract states otherwise.
- The autonomous community offers resources and mediation before court action.
Help and resources
- [1] BOE - Consolidated text of the Urban Leases Act
- [2] Judicial Authority - Information on civil processes and evictions
- [3] Ministry of Justice - Procedures and forms
