Seasonal rental vs long-term rental

Entering into a rental agreement, whether for a few months or several years, involves legal and financial commitments you should understand before signing the contract. Spain’s Urban Leasing Law (LAU) clearly distinguishes between long-term residential rentals and seasonal rentals intended for temporary stays related to work, study, or extended holidays.

This guide outlines the key points of each type of lease, the obligations of tenants and landlords, and the steps to ensure a smooth, worry-free experience.

• Table of contents
• What Is a Seasonal Rental?
• Long-Term Rentals
• Key Differences Between the Two
• Find Your Home with Homewatch

A seasonal rental is ideal when the tenant needs a property for a limited period and for a specific reason—such as a temporary job relocation, an academic course, a work project, or a long holiday.

Unlike a tourist rental, it does not include services like daily cleaning or reception. The length of the stay is freely agreed upon and may last from a few weeks to several months, with no legal minimum or maximum, provided it is clear that the property will not be the tenant’s primary residence.

• Contract and requirements: The agreement must clearly state the reason for the stay, the start and end dates, and the agreed rent.
• Security deposit: Under the LAU, the deposit is equivalent to two months’ rent, which is higher than for a long-term residential lease.
• Right to terminate: The tenant can end the contract early only if the agreement includes this option or if a prior arrangement is reached with the landlord.

Leaving a Seasonal Rental Early

Article 11 of the LAU allows the tenant to terminate the contract after six months, provided they give at least 30 days’ notice.
To leave earlier, the contract must include a specific clause permitting it. For this reason, it is essential to negotiate and set everything out in writing from the start.

A long-term rental is intended to be the tenant’s permanent residence. Although the parties may agree on the length of the lease, if it is shorter than five years (seven when the landlord is a company), the law grants automatic annual renewals until that minimum is reached.

• Termination: The tenant may leave after the sixth month by giving 30 days’ notice.
• Advantages: Long-term rentals provide financial stability for both parties, a rent that cannot change abruptly, and the peace of mind of not having to search for a new home frequently.
• Security deposit: At least one month’s rent is required and must be lodged with the relevant regional authority.

• Purpose: Long-term rentals are for a primary residence; seasonal rentals are for temporary use.
• Security deposit: One month’s rent for long-term; two months for seasonal.
• Renewals: Mandatory for long-term leases; none for seasonal.
• Rent flexibility: Seasonal rents can be adjusted to market conditions with each new contract; long-term rents remain as agreed.

Advantages for Each Party

For landlords:

• Long-term: Steady income and lower tenant turnover.
• Seasonal: Potential for higher rents in tourist areas and the ability to adjust prices according to demand.

For tenants:

• Long-term: Security in both rent and tenure.
• Seasonal: Flexibility, ideal for those relocating temporarily, studying, or working on projects.

At Homewatch, we offer a carefully curated selection of properties on the Costa del Sol, available for both long-term and seasonal rentals. Our team guides you through every step, from the search to signing the contract, so you can enjoy a safe rental tailored to your needs.

On our website, you’ll find everything from cozy beachfront apartments to spacious villas with gardens and pools, all managed with the care and attention you deserve.