The Search Begins
Finding a new place often starts with checking listings or contacting a real estate agency (la inmobiliaria). Once you find the right place, you will be ready to move (mudarse).
| I plan to call the real estate agency today. | Pienso llamar a la inmobiliaria hoy. |
| My sister plans to move to the suburbs. | Mi hermana piensa mudarse a las afueras. |
When reading ads, pay attention to whether a flat is still available (disponible).
| I think that the apartment is no longer available. | Creo que el piso ya no está disponible. |
Landlords and Tenants
The owner or landlord is el propietario (or la propietaria for a female owner). The person renting the property is the tenant (el inquilino).
| My mother, the doctor, is the landlady of the building. | Mi madre, la médica, es la propietaria del edificio. |
| The tenant has not paid the rent for a month. | El inquilino lleva un mes sin pagar el alquiler. |
Paperwork and Requirements
In Spain, owners will usually ask for proof of income before you can sign a lease. This often means providing your latest payslip (la nómina). They might also ask for a financial guarantee or guarantor (el aval) to secure the rental contract.
| The landlord wants to see my last payslip. | El propietario quiere ver mi última nómina. |
| Does the landlord ask for a guarantee or a payslip? | ¿El propietario pide un aval o una nómina? |
Rent and Utilities
When budgeting for your new home, consider the monthly payment (la mensualidad). You will also need to know who pays for utilities (los suministros), such as gas, water, and electricity.
| I pay for the gas supply. | Yo pago el suministro de gas. |
| The first monthly payment is for the real estate agency. | La primera mensualidad es para la inmobiliaria. |
Sometimes certain bills are already included in the rent. Because incluido acts like an adjective, remember to match it to the gender and number of the things that are included.
| I think that water and gas are included. | Creo que el agua y el gas están incluidos. |
