Tenants in Spain: elevator, porter and cleaning
If you are a tenant in Spain and you have problems with common building services —such as a broken elevator, the absence of a porter or inadequate cleaning— it is important to know what steps to take. This text clearly explains tenants' basic rights, how to document incidents, deadlines to claim and options to request adaptations for disability or accessibility. You do not need to be a legal expert: we indicate when to notify the landlord, how to use records and photos as evidence, what temporary measures to request and how to go to court if the issue is not solved. You will also find official resources and practical advice to protect your home and safety while the problem is resolved.
What you can claim and why
Rental agreements include the right to services and a habitable home. If the elevator stops working and this affects accessibility, or if there is no porter and cleaning is deficient, you can demand repairs and reasonable measures. The Urban Leases Act and the Civil Code set obligations on property maintenance and use[1]. If the lack of services reduces habitability, you can request a repair or a proportional rent reduction until the issue is fixed.
How to report the problem
Notify the landlord in writing (email or certified mail) describing the issue, the impact on the home and the specific request: urgent repair, provisional measures or adaptation for disability. Keep copies of everything and ask for confirmation of receipt. If the building has an owners' association, inform the association when appropriate.
- Request an immediate repair if there is a risk to safety or accessibility.
- Send the complaint in writing indicating reasonable deadlines for a response.
- Attach photos, videos and copies of communications as evidence.
- If you need help, contact social services or local consumer associations.
If the issue affects adaptations for disability (for example, installing a ramp or priority use of the elevator), specify the need and provide medical documentation if possible; accessibility can justify urgent measures.
What to do if the landlord does not respond
If the landlord does not address the complaint within the indicated deadline, options include: filing a consumer complaint (if applicable), requesting mediation or going to the Court of First Instance to claim execution of works or a rent reduction. In disputes about eviction or non-payment, judicial procedures follow the rules of the Civil Procedure Act[2].
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I demand immediate elevator repair?
- Yes, especially if the fault affects safety or accessibility; complain in writing and keep evidence.
- What if community cleaning is insufficient?
- If contractual cleaning or community service is not carried out, document the incidents and complain to the community or the landlord as appropriate.
- How do I request an adaptation for disability?
- Request it in writing from the landlord and provide medical documentation; if refused, you may seek mediation or go to court.
How-To
- Note the date and time of the incident and how long the problem lasts.
- Take photos or videos that show the fault and the impact on the home or accessibility.
- Send a written complaint to the landlord and, if applicable, to the owners' association, indicating deadlines for a response.
- Contact social services, consumer protection or an association for guidance and support.
- If there is no solution, prepare the documentation and file a claim at the Court of First Instance.
Key takeaways
- Always document incidents with dates, photos and communications.
- Communicate in writing and request clear deadlines for repair or adaptation.
- If there is no response, consider mediation or court action.
Help and Support / Resources
- BOE - official legislation and texts
- Ministry of Justice - procedures and guides
- Poder Judicial - procedural information