Housing documents for Spain

The problem

Anyone who rents out an apartment in Spain as regular housing is bound by statutory mandatory extensions of up to five years (arts. 9, 10 LAU) — an enormous risk for landlords of temporary housing. The solution is the seasonal lease (Contrato de temporada), but only with a properly documented purpose of stay. And: the Spanish version of the contract is legally authoritative — if you don't understand it, you're signing blind.

Good to know — Spanish legal situation

• ✓The Contrato de temporada (art. 3.2 LAU) counts as a lease for use other than as a dwelling — the mandatory extensions of permanent residential leases do not apply.
• ✓The documented reason for the temporary stay is crucial (work project, study stay, workation) — without it, reclassification as permanent housing looms.
• ✓The statutory deposit for seasonal leases is two months' rent (art. 36.1 LAU); disputes go to the courts where the dwelling is located.