Long term rented accommodation Alicante, Murcia region

Hello digger,

Welcome to Expat.com!

Please check Housing in Spain for more information about accommodation.

Cheers,
Jaisan

Hi John

I was in Almeria for 6 months and paid a deposit before briefly returning to England. Before I left for Spain again, I asked the agent for the inventory. She said it would be supplied when I signed the rental agreement. This was never forthcoming despite a couple more requests.

The place wasn't fully equipped and there were a number of faults with the property. I later found that there was an infestation of mice. The lock to the apartment was faulty and it was very difficult to get the key out of the lock. I feared being locked out and having to call a locksmith. I was told this and the rodent infestation were "minor" repairs for which the tenants are responsible. Luckily I did manage with graphite oil after trying lubricating oil. The owner was horrible and more or less laughed at me when I requested a cooker although after 3 months she did provide a microwave. The agents told me any disputes or problems were between the owner and me as the owner had dismissed their services. I found this to be false as when I told them I would withhold the last month's rent in lieu of the repairs etc, they soon started emailing me.

I left in disgust without completing the year's contract and without paying the last month's rent as I was sure I wouldn't get back my deposit. I will be very much more careful next time I rent anything. Beware of any mention of repairs as I had to pay a considerable amount in total to repair or equip the place. I am a very careful person and so was wary of there being no inventory as there was quite a lot of damage to the furniture, ceilings and to the walls. Such was the nature of the agents and the owner that I was afraid I would be blamed for at least some of this.

I would never have come in without an inventory had it not been for the fact that I had paid a deposit beforehand. Next time I will insist on seeing the inventory first and will insist that I know whom to contact in the event of problems.

Thanks for the advice. Seems like agents are the same the world over, just interested in fees!!
Will certainly carry out a detailed inspection and insist on an inventory before I commit.

I've rented six different places over the years here in Spain, the shortest being something like six months, and, apart from the shock of the first payment being three months rent - one for the agent, one as a month in advance and one against possible damage - I've never had the least trouble. On the other hand I've looked at some places which were horrible and scruffy and if someone thought they were fit to rent out then I suspect they would also be bad landlords.

So although I've never had any problems I think that if you find there aren't any pans in the cupboard, the sofa is covered with a blanket because the springs have gone, the telly isn't flat screen - in general if the place doesn't look right - then it won't be any good.