Renting your property in Spain — especially along the Costa del Sol — can be a profitable, reliable investment.
Yet many property owners lose thousands each year due to common mistakes in pricing, management, and tenant selection.
This guide helps international landlords avoid those traps and achieve steady, stress-free income with professional management.
1) Overpricing your property
When landlords overprice, their property sits empty — every vacant month costs an entire year’s potential profit. Research real prices from signed leases, not just listings.
An overpriced unit often attracts desperate tenants willing to negotiate aggressively or walk away later. Price correctly, and you’ll secure stable, long-term renters faster.
2) Ignoring tenant screening
Many owners accept tenants based solely on first impressions. That’s a critical error. Proper screening includes verifying income (3x rent), checking employment contracts, and confirming rental history.
Professional agencies perform background checks, reference calls, and financial validation — drastically reducing the risk of unpaid rent or property misuse.
3) Weak or outdated rental contracts
Generic or outdated contracts expose landlords to risk. Spain’s rental laws (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos) have specific clauses about deposits, maintenance, and duration.
Use bilingual contracts (EN/ES) drafted for Andalusia. Include clauses for payment method, late fees, inspection rights, cleaning responsibilities, and digital signatures.
4) Neglecting property maintenance
Delaying small repairs leads to larger, more expensive problems later. A leaking tap becomes a flooded bathroom; dirty AC filters cause mold and system failure.
Schedule preventive maintenance and inspections every 6 months. Keep a record of repairs and ensure tenants report issues immediately.
5) Misunderstanding Spanish rental laws
Spanish tenancy law favors tenants in long-term contracts, but clear documentation and professional management keep things under control.
Always register deposits correctly and avoid handshake deals. Every agreement must be in writing, with clear terms, duration, and signatures.
6) Poor marketing and photos
Listings with dark, blurry photos or generic descriptions repel good tenants. Hire a professional photographer to show natural light, terrace views, and spacious interiors.
Highlight benefits, not just features — proximity to international schools, fiber internet, sea views, parking, or modern AC systems attract long-term renters.
7) Choosing the wrong tenants
Tenants with unstable income or unclear intentions often cause the most problems. Use data-driven selection, not intuition.
If unsure, request a higher deposit, a guarantor, or rent guarantee insurance. Remember: rejecting one weak candidate now saves you months of stress later.
8) Failing to document the inventory
An incomplete inventory means you can’t claim for damages later. Always document everything with photos and a signed checklist before move-in.
Include appliances, furniture, wall condition, terrace furniture, meter readings, and key sets.
9) Ignoring taxes and legal obligations
Many foreign owners overlook income tax on rental earnings. Spanish law requires declaration of rental income and allows deductions for management fees, maintenance, and mortgage interest.
Consult a tax advisor familiar with non-resident taxation. Proper compliance avoids fines and unlocks legitimate deductions.
10) Not hiring a professional management company
Managing from abroad is risky. Missed messages, delayed repairs, or unverified tenants lead to losses. A management company handles everything — screening, contracts, inspections, and communication — while you receive monthly reports and rent transfers.
At LongTermRent.es, our team manages everything from Málaga to Estepona, ensuring you stay informed and worry-free.
11) Forgetting the importance of communication
Landlords who go silent after move-in often face tension later. Tenants appreciate clarity and responsiveness. Maintain open communication through your management company to prevent disputes.
A 24-hour response policy keeps satisfaction high and tenancy renewals longer.
12) How LongTermRent helps you avoid all these issues
- Professional valuation and rental strategy
- Full tenant screening and bilingual contracts
- Maintenance coordination and inspections
- Monthly income statements
- Legal and tax guidance
- Optional guaranteed rent (Rent-to-Rent) plan
Our process reduces vacancy time, ensures quality tenants, and maximizes your property’s long-term yield.
13) Your next step: request your free property appraisal
If you own a home on the Costa del Sol and want peace of mind, let’s talk. We’ll evaluate your property and show you exactly what rent you can achieve safely.