Perhaps you are the proud owner of a Marbella mansion in Marbella, or have a rural residence in Relleu. Whatever is true, there is usually a market for renting it out, as long as the cost is fair and the marketing efforts are in place. Actually if you take the rent as part of the property´s overall value, the cheaper place could well become the one that earns you the higher income. Here are some tips to help you in renting out your property.

The Contract

Always prepare a contract, for this will be able to help both the landlord just as much as the tenant. Under Spain’s real estate law there are two types of contracts: the short term contract called the arrienda de temporada, and the long-term contract called the arrienda de vivienda. It is most helpful to focus on the short-term contract. This will be based on the assumption that the property will be rented for a week to about a few months and does not grant the tenant any right of extension.

The arrienda de vivienda, or long-term contract, is usually configured so that you have a minimum of a year but own the right to extend up to five years. So, do double check that your contract has the heading arrienda de temporada or contrato de temporada, since these preclude the right to automatic extension.

It is possible to buy ready made contracts for a very inexpensive rate from tobacconist shops in Spain. They sell both types, meaning the de temporada and de vivienda. However, you may have to check many shops before finding one that keeps them in stock and they are typically in Spanish. .

Another option is to approach an abogado (lawyer) or gestor (licensed administrative expert) to draft the contract. You may even wish to have it translated into English.

The Inventory

Next, check all the items in the property. When you rent out the place, you will read through the list with the new tenant so when s/he signs the contract you avoid any kind of conflict about what should be in the place (and in proper working order!) when s/he leaves.

The Deposit

You need a deposit. If you look at Spanish law, the deposit or fianza usually is valued at a month’s rent for residential property and two months rent for commercial properties. This will be given back at the end of the stay if there are no debts or damage to the property.If renting out the property personally, you will probably keep the deposit yourself. But it can be managed by an independent agency.

Spain is one of the few countries where there is strictly speaking no tourist season. Visitors go there in droves, in all months of the year, drawn by the different attractions of the regions. With such amazing history and cultural diversity, Spain remains to be one of the most popular holiday destinations, forever drawing holidaymakers with its interesting character and unique charms.

The Spanish Architecture

If you look at Spain’s architectural styles you’ll see that they are heavily influenced by the designs of North Africa, France and Italy. But all these influences have been reinterpreted in a distinctively Spanish style, giving the structures their own unique look that’s not seen elsewhere in the world.

Moorish Architecture

Moorish architecture is very dominant in Southern Spain, with one of the great examples being the Salon de Embajadores in the Alhamba, Granada. It is known for its intricate interiors and lavish designs based on geometry, calligraphy and plant motifs.

Romanesque Architecture

Romanesque architecture, which you will typically see in churches, can be seen in Catalonia and along the pilgrim paths to Santiago, such as the Sant Climent church at Tauell in the Vall de Boi. It’s characterized by round arches and massive walls.

Gothic Architecture

Gothic architecture was influenced by France in the late 12th century, with little improvisations added, except for pointed arches, external buttresses, higher vaults and taller windows. One excellent example of such style is the Leon Cathedral in Castilla Y Leon. It is known for having the finest display of stained glass in Spain and is also admired for its vaulting which supports the archways and illuminates the interior. Renaissance architecture is often identifid by its symmetrical features and round arches. A good example of this is the Hostal de San Marcos in Leon. Baroque architecture was propelled by the need for drama and movement, thus explaining the twisting columns, extravagant decorations, and exuberant sculptures. You may want to see one of the examples of this, at Museo Municipal in Madrid.

Modernisme Architecture

Modernisme architecture is best described as the Catalan interpretation of the Art Nouveau style. It is spearheaded by Spain’s most well known architect, Antoni Gaudi. The best Modernisme examples can be seen in Barcelona, where the works of Gaudi are found all over the city. These buildings are well known for their dream-like qualities, which provide an almost surrealistic feel to them, yet are nevertheless very functional. Prime examples of this kind of construction are two of Gaudi’s greatest works, the Casa Mila with its ripple-effect walls and the Sagrada Familia, Europe’s most unconventional church. Gaudi is buried in one of its crypts.

The Costa Brava is often seen as Spain’s ruggedly beautiful “wild coast”. It is one of the most scenic coastal strips in Spain and extends for over 160 kilometres between the French border and Barcelona. It is known for its endless miles of sandy beaches and the many rocky coves embroidered by pine-filled cliffs.

Because it is so close to France
the Costa Brava region is very popular and was one of the first areas in Spain to enjoy the tourist boom. As the gateway to mainland Spain the Costa Brava attracted millions of foreign visitors and was famous for how it was an affordable way to enjoy the summer holidays in the Mediterranean sunshine. Tourists began coming in large groups—by car, by coach load and eventually through charter flights into Barcelona’s international airport.

Quiet fishing villages were transformed into bustling tourist resorts with high rise hotels, modern marinas and of course the popular villas. But despite the demands of mass tourism Costa Brave has been able to preserve its special beauty, character and charm which have been delighting visitors for decades.

The Lloret de Mar is the party scene where you can find the day to night entertainment. It houses international bars, clubs, pubs, discos, sports and leisure facilities. Popular attractions include Europe’s biggest water park just outside the resort But just a ride away from this cosmopolitan party place are ancient castles and beautiful green valleys that still are home to traditional villages unspoilt by modern life.

The main resort is Roses, which offers a huge range of tourist entertainment. It is just south of the French border. The resort has many well preserved historic sites and ancient monuments. There are the two protected reserves on the edges of the town where nature lovers will enjoy the wealth of flora and fauna.

L’Estartit is one of the more serene andrelaxed holiday spots on the Costa Brava. It has a traditional character but during the summer months it attracts thousands of tourists because of the famous Medes Islands which is part of the Mediterranean’s most important nature and marine reserves. It attracts scuba divers and visitors from all over the world.