Tenant Notification Address in Spain
What does "notification address" mean?
The notification address is the location where a person, in this case the tenant, can receive official communications related to the rental contract: eviction notices, lawsuits, administrative orders and communications from the landlord or judicial bodies. The Urban Leases Act influences the contractual obligations of landlord and tenant.[1] If a notification address is set in the contract, that is usually valid unless proven otherwise.
How is it determined and what effects does it have?
The address can be fixed in the rental contract or, if not present, coincide with the registration (empadronamiento) or the address where you actually live. In eviction procedures, the court considers the address indicated in the contract or, where appropriate, the habitual one.[2] Receiving a notification at the registered address has legal effects: it starts deadlines to respond, file appeals or make payments.
What to do if you change address
If you move, notify the landlord in writing and, when appropriate, file a notice with the competent body or through the contract. Document all communications and keep receipts or emails proving the notification.
- Keep copies of notices, mails and receipts related to the rent.
- Inform the landlord in writing and request an acknowledgment of receipt.
- If there is a dispute, submit a formal communication to the court or through a lawyer.
Deadlines and consequences of not receiving notifications
If you do not collect or receive a notification at your address, deadlines may still start from the date the communication was legally deemed served. That is why it is essential to keep your address updated and, when appropriate, register (empadronarse) at the new address to prove effective residence.
How to respond to a notification
Faced with a judicial or administrative notification act quickly: read the content, check deadlines and prepare the response or opposition. If it is an eviction requirement, it is advisable to seek legal guidance to prepare the defense within the deadline set by the court.[2]
- Check the deadline indicated in the notification.
- Contact advisory services or a lawyer if you are unsure how to respond.
- Gather all documentation that proves your communications and payments.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I register at another address for notification purposes?
- Yes, registration (empadronamiento) proves habitual residence and can serve to prove a notification address, but it is best that the contract and the parties are informed of the change.
- What happens if I am not at home when a notification is delivered?
- If you are not present, the notification may be left in a mailbox or at the town hall and, in some cases, be considered served. Therefore it is advisable to designate an alternative communication method or keep the address updated.
- Where can I find official templates or information on deadlines?
- Official pages of the BOE and the Ministry of Justice publish legal texts and guides on civil procedures and applicable deadlines for evictions and other notifications.[1]
How to
- Check the contract to identify the agreed address for notifications.
- Document and keep all communications with the landlord (emails, letters, receipts).
- If you receive a judicial notification, note the deadline and prepare the response within the term.
- Seek free or professional guidance if there is a risk of eviction or legal proceeding.
- If necessary, file documents at the Court of First Instance with proof of address and communications.
Key takeaways
- The notification address can be set in the contract and has legal effects.
- Keeping records of communications protects your rights as a tenant.
- Responding within judicial deadlines is essential to preserve defense options.
Help and Support / Resources
- BOE - Legal texts and regulations
- Ministry of Justice - Judicial information
- Judicial Power - Resources and locations
