Do you want to rent a flat in Barcelona, but you’re wondering what happens in the event of broken equipment or a damaged wall? Who pays, the tenant or the landlord? On Loca Barcelona estate agency, you will know who pays for repairs to your flat in Barcelona.
Landlord and tenant appliance responsibilities
The Urban Leases Act, published in 1994, governs the legal provisions for renting a flat in Barcelona. Among other things, this law requires tenants to lodge a deposit equivalent to at least 1 year’s rent for an unfurnished apartment, and 2 months’ rent for a furnished apartment.
In the case of damage caused by the occupant of the property, the deposit is used to reimburse the damage at the end of the lease. If the property is returned to the same condition as on arrival, the deposit is returned to the tenant.
Another guarantee may be required. This is the rental bank guarantee: a specific sum is deposited in a special bank account and the tenant must not withdraw it before the end of the contract. The amount varies between 3 and 12 months’ rent.
Loca Barcelona specializes in renting flats on a long-term basis or short, and will assist you in the event of a dispute with the landlord, acting as an intermediary to resolve the conflict.
In short, payment for repairs to a flat depends on the seriousness of the problem and the circumstances that led to a professional being called in. For this reason, taking out home insurance in Spain avoids any unnecessary costs.
Who pays for repairs in a rental house?
The rental contract is a document that should be read carefully, as the various clauses set out the responsibilities of each party. If nothing is specified about repairs, the law on urban leases must be applied.
What does the law say? Costs relating to structural damage or deterioration of the property must be borne by the landlord, while the tenant is responsible for repairs due to wear and tear or misuse of the equipment.
Landlord’s obligations
The landlord is responsible for any work that may affect the health of the building or the tenant. His role is to ensure that the structure is sound.
To sum up, major repairs due to wear and tear, such as changing a major household appliance (washing machine, dishwasher, gas cooker, etc.) or replacing a water heater or sofa, are the landlord’s responsibility. Similarly, repairs to floors and walls due to wear and tear are the responsibility of the landlord.
Tenant’s obligations
In the case of long-term rentals in Barcelona, the tenant must report any urgent repairs that affect the habitability of the accommodation. If they fail to do so and the situation worsens, they may be held responsible.
What wear and tear repairs can the tenant be held liable for?
- Laying a new floor if the old one is damaged or stained beyond repair.
- Redo the paintwork if the walls have been damaged by children.
- Unblocking drains, repairing leaks, etc.
In conclusion, the repair costs payable by the tenant are usually low. Sometimes it’s just a matter of breaking a window or replacing a light bulb. If you would like more information on this subject, you can ask your Loca Barcelona estate agent, renowned for the quality of its customer service, for an explanation.
