Legal deadlines for tenants: annual rent update in Spain

As a tenant in Spain, it is important to understand the deadlines and rules that govern the annual rent update to protect your rights and plan your budget. This guide explains, in plain language, when an increase can be applied, which limits and indices are usually used and what steps you can take if you disagree. You will find practical advice on written notifications, documentation you should keep and where to seek official or judicial help in case of dispute. The information is based on state regulation and common civil court procedures, with specific references to official sources.^[1][2]

What the annual rent update means

The annual update allows the landlord to review the rent amount according to what is agreed in the contract or to official indices, such as the CPI or other indices mentioned in the clause. Not all increases are automatic: they must respect what is agreed and the law.^[1]

Deadlines and notices

There are practical and formal deadlines to consider about when an increase is communicated and applied:

• The landlord must notify in writing any proposed modification to the rent amount.
• The effective date is usually the one agreed in the contract or the corresponding annual date if there is a revision clause.
• If the contract refers to indices, the update is calculated according to those indices and the established period.

Caps, indices and limitations

There is no single general cap for all increases: control depends on what is agreed in the contract and the applicable regulations. Sometimes the legislator establishes temporary limits or exceptions that may affect the application of the index.^[1]

• Clauses that refer to the CPI or another index set the formula to calculate the increase.
• Practices that result in abusive increases or contrary to the contract are not valid.
• Some exceptional measures may limit updates in specific periods according to state rules.

What to do if you receive an incorrect increase

Act calmly and follow these practical steps to defend your rights:

• Keep all communications and receipts that show payments and dates.
• Contact the landlord to ask for clarification and request the calculation formula in writing.
• If there is no agreement, seek legal advice or municipal guidance and prepare the judicial route if appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord raise the rent every year without notifying me?

No; the increase must be foreseen in the contract or agreed in writing, and the landlord must notify it properly.

Which index is used to calculate the update?

Usually the CPI or another index agreed in the contract; the clause should detail the formula to apply.

If I consider the increase illegal, what can I do?

Gather evidence, communicate your disagreement in writing and, if there is no solution, seek advice and consider going to the civil court.^[3]

How to

1. Review your contract and locate the rent review clause.
2. Calculate the new amount applying the indicated index and the agreed formula.
3. Request from the landlord the written notice with the calculation details and the effective date.
4. Keep all correspondence, receipts and documents proving your payments and the communication.
5. If the discrepancy persists, seek legal guidance and file a claim in court if necessary.

Key takeaways

• An increase must respect the contract and applicable law.
• Document all communications and keep receipts to protect your rights.
• Seek official help if you cannot reach a reasonable agreement with the landlord.

Help and resources

• [1] BOE - Consolidated text of LAU (Law 29/1994)
• [2] Ministry of Justice - information and procedures
• [3] Judicial Authority - resources and civil procedures

1. [1] BOE - Ley 29/1994, de Arrendamientos Urbanos (texto consolidado)
2. [2] BOE - Civil Code and applicable regulations
3. [3] Judicial Authority - information on civil procedures and courts