Template Letter for Tenants: Oppose Rent Hikes in Spain
If you are a tenant in Spain and believe your landlord is applying an improper rent increase, this text explains what steps to take and how to file an effective claim. You will find practical guidance on deadlines, useful documentation, a template letter to object and the official resources to consult. We avoid technicalities and give clear examples so you can negotiate or, if necessary, take the case to court. Keep all receipts, communications and photos; acting with documentation increases your options. The instructions apply to most common rental situations under Spanish rules and court practice.
What is an improper increase?
An improper increase is any rent rise that does not comply with the contract terms or the rules set out by the Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos. Check whether the update clause complies with the LAU or if the landlord is trying to change terms without your consent [1].
Steps to oppose a rent increase
- Act quickly: check the deadline to reply and note the date you received the notice.
- Request the landlord to formalize the increase in writing and provide documentary justification.
- Gather evidence: contracts, receipts, email or WhatsApp communications and photos if relevant.
- Try a formal communication with the landlord to negotiate before starting legal action.
- If there is no agreement, consider filing a claim at the Juzgado de Primera Instancia or an administrative complaint as appropriate.
What to include in the objection letter
The letter should be clear and brief and include basic data: identification of both parties, property address, date, reason why the increase is improper and the specific request (cancel the increase, keep the current rent, or negotiate a reasoned review). State that you reserve legal actions if no reply is received.
- Tenant and landlord identification and contract reference (date and clause if any).
- Facts: date of the increase notification and a copy of the communication received.
- Clear request: rejection of the increase and request to maintain the rent or negotiate.
Basic template letter
Dear [Landlord Name],
I, [Tenant Name], tenant of the dwelling at [address], hereby object to the rent increase notified on [date]. I understand that the modification does not comply with the contract terms or the applicable law, so I request that the current rent be maintained and that you provide the documentary justification for the proposal. I reserve my rights to bring a claim through the appropriate channels if I do not receive a response within 15 business days.
Sincerely,
[Signature and date]
Frequently asked questions
- Can I refuse to pay an increase that does not comply with the law?
- Yes. If the increase does not comply with the LAU or the contract clauses, you can object and file a claim with the landlord or, where appropriate, with the court.
- What deadline do I have to respond?
- There is no single universal deadline, but reply as soon as possible and keep the send date; in many cases 15 business days is a reasonable period to request clarifications.
- Do I need a lawyer to claim?
- Not always; you can file papers yourself in civil proceedings, though a lawyer or advice can help in complex cases or court procedures.
How to make a claim
- Check deadlines and notifications: note dates and request written justification.
- Send the objection letter by certified mail or burofax and keep the receipt.
- Gather and organize all documentation that supports your position: contract, receipts and communications.
- Seek local advisory services or legal aid if available.
- If no agreement is reached, file a claim at the relevant Juzgado de Primera Instancia.
Key takeaways
- Document everything from the first moment to strengthen your claim.
- Send the objection via a method that proves receipt.
- Review the contract and applicable law before accepting changes.
