Zembelo GuideLetting Journey

Screening & Contract

Letting Journey — Step by step

How do I vet tenants and protect my rental income? Successful letting is built on a foundation of rigorous screening and legal insurance.

A 'bad' tenant can cost you a year of income in legal fees. to mitigate all risk.

The 'Seguro de Impago'

For long-term rentals, we strongly recommend a Rental Default Insurance (Impago). The provider checks the tenant's solvency for you. If they fail to pay, the insurance covers the missing rent and the legal costs of eviction. It's the only way to sleep soundly as a landlord in Spain.

Vetting & Police Registration

For short-term stays, use platforms with verified reviews. Regardless of stay length, you are legally obligated to register all guests over 14 in the police 'Hospederías' system. Failure to do so can result in massive fines during random inspections. See our screening checklist for more details.

and minimize your legal exposure.

Advisor Insight

"Never hand over keys based on a 'proof of transfer' PDF. Only give keys when the funds are cleared in your bank account."

What usually happens

  • Run a credit check and verified employment history
  • Draft a contract that includes 'Reclaiming for Personal Use' (the personal need clause)
  • Collect the first month's rent and the mandatory deposits
Timing
Week 4-5
People
Landlord, Tenant, Lawyer
Cost

Prepare

    Risks

    • Letting to a 'professional non-payer' without insurance

    Tenant Vetting & Contract Checklist

    • Perform credit and employment checks for long-term lets
    • Secure Rental Default Insurance (Impago)
    • Draft a legally sound contract with reclaiming clauses
    • Ensure signed house rules are part of the agreement
    Protect your investment

    Expert Q&A

    Rental default insurance. It costs about 4-5% of the annual rent but gives huge peace of mind for long-term lets. If a tenant stops paying, it covers the rent and legal costs.
    Occupation is a common fear. The best defense is a connected alarm system and a good relationship with neighbors. If police can prove the occupation is recent (within 48h), removal is much faster.
    For long-term: 1 month 'fianza' (legal req) plus 1-2 months additional guarantee. For holiday: a valid credit card on file that can be charged via the booking platform.
    Yes, even for short stays. Platforms have their own terms, but for direct bookings, you must have a signed document defining liability and check-out times.
    You can state the property is not suitable (e.g. due to steep stairs or an open pool), but be careful to avoid anything that could be interpreted as discrimination.