Renting to international students is an attractive option for many property owners in Spain. Every academic year, thousands of students from abroad arrive looking for temporary housing and, when managed properly, this type of rental can offer solid returns with controlled risk. The key is understanding the legal framework, choosing the right contract structure, and clearly defining the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

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Choosing the right type of contract

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Spanish Law 29/1994 on Urban Leases (LAU) distinguishes between permanent residential leases, regulated under Article 2, and leases for purposes other than primary residence, regulated under Article 3. Within this second category lies the seasonal lease, designed for temporary stays linked to a specific reason, such as pursuing academic studies for a defined period.

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When renting an apartment or a room to an international student who will stay only for a few months, a seasonal contract is usually the most appropriate option. The agreement must clearly state that the purpose of the rental is academic, for example attendance during an academic year. This choice has an important practical impact for landlords because, unlike permanent housing contracts that include mandatory extensions in favor of the tenant, a seasonal lease ends on the agreed date unless both sides explicitly decide to extend it.

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Property requirements, student documentation, and essential contract terms

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Even if the tenant comes from another country, landlords should always request basic documentation to confirm identity and the reason for the stay. This typically includes a passport, a Spanish NIE if available, and when required, a student visa or residence permit. Attaching the university acceptance letter or enrollment certificate to the agreement strengthens its temporary nature and supports the use of a seasonal lease.

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Financial reliability should also be assessed. In many cases, parents or legal guardians act as guarantors by providing proof of income, signing a personal guarantee, or arranging rent default insurance. Tenant selection should always be based on objective criteria related to financial capacity and compliance, while avoiding any form of discrimination based on nationality, race, religion, or other protected characteristics under anti-discrimination laws.

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Legal certainty rests largely on the contract itself. It is strongly recommended to always sign a written agreement that is clear and tailored to seasonal use. The document should explicitly state that it is a lease for non-residential use, specifically a seasonal agreement linked to studies, identify the educational institution, and outline the approximate academic period. The duration should be well defined, for example from September to June, and may include a short extension for exams or internships if agreed in advance by both parties.

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From a financial perspective, the rent must be clearly stated, along with payment method and monthly due date. The LAU allows certain expenses to be passed on to the tenant if they are expressly listed and itemized in writing. For this reason, it is important to specify whether utilities such as electricity, water, gas, internet, or waste collection fees are included or paid separately. For leases classified as non-residential use, Article 36 of the LAU generally requires a security deposit equal to two months’ rent. It is also common to agree on additional guarantees such as extra deposits, bank guarantees, or rent insurance, particularly when the tenant has no prior rental history in Spain.

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When renting individual rooms within a shared apartment, it is highly advisable to regulate usage and coexistence rules in detail. This includes defining private and shared areas, setting guidelines on noise, visitors, cleanliness, and prohibiting subleasing without consent. A detailed inventory of furniture and the initial condition of the property, signed by both parties, is essential to justify any deductions from the deposit for damage beyond normal wear and tear.

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Landlord rights, early termination, and data protection

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The agreement should clearly address what happens if the student stops paying rent, causes serious damage, or repeatedly breaches basic coexistence rules. In such cases, the landlord may terminate the lease and, if necessary, initiate eviction proceedings and claim unpaid rent. It is also advisable to regulate early departure initiated by the student, for example due to withdrawal from studies, allowing for reasonable penalties or payment obligations, always within the limits set by mandatory law.

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The tenant’s status as an international student does not alter the landlord’s fundamental rights. These include collecting rent and agreed expenses, requiring proper use of the property, and recovering possession at the end of the seasonal term. At the same time, owners must fulfill their obligations by delivering the property in suitable condition, carrying out necessary maintenance, respecting the tenant’s privacy with no unauthorized entry and prior notice for visits, and returning the security deposit within the legal timeframe, deducting only amounts that are properly justified.

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Finally, compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Spain’s Organic Law on Data Protection and Digital Rights is essential. Landlords handle sensitive personal data such as copies of passports, visas, and signed agreements. They must inform tenants in writing about who is responsible for data processing, the purpose of data collection, how long the information will be stored, and what rights the student has regarding their personal data. This information can be included as a specific clause in the lease or provided in a separate privacy document.

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In summary, renting to international students can be a highly profitable option when properly structured. Selecting the appropriate lease type, clearly documenting the temporary academic purpose, setting reasonable financial guarantees, and carefully drafting the agreement are essential steps to protect landlord rights while offering students a clear and secure legal framework.