The advice tips we give you below are based on our experiences and are only intended as a guide to help you. Good Luck!
Depending on the area you wish to live, the best thing you can do is give yourself plenty of time to find the right place to live / person to live with. The less time you give yourself, the fewer options you have, regarding price, location etc.
The more information you put into your posting, makes it easier for people to choose you as their Housemate. The best thing of all is to put some fotos of yourself, and the house if possible.
We recommend that both party's agree from the very beginning how you expect the ' Rules of the House' should be, subjects like cleaning, noise, visits, use of communal areas and utensils should be made clear. That way you know where you stand if there are any future issues!
Before you hand over or receive any money, be clear on the price; the extra costs; the length of stay; and whether you require weekly or monthly payments.
Be sure to know how much notice you need to give before you leave, or want someone to leave, in case it's before the agreed period. When you make contact with someone for the first time, write down all the questions you want to ask, and take note of the answers they give you, so you can remember them in case you have to see a lot of people!!
Advice 'looking for a room '.
Before you make a decision, you should look at the place; make sure to ask the questions you think are important. If you don't get the answers you expect…be careful.
If you can't visit the place before you move, (because you are in another city/ country), never send the deposit by Giro or wire transfer. If possible do it directly through a bank account, and in the name of the person to whom you will be sharing with, whose name is on the deed, or the rental contract. It's an obvious precaution and 99% of people will understand why.
When you can go to see a place, ask if the people renting the room, rent themselves, or they're the owners! A phone or electric bill with the address of the house is also good to see.
If you have to give a deposit, please ask for a receipt showing that it's for the deposit, and will be returned at the end of the agreed period.
From a potential landlords' point of view, it would be great if you could offer some references from previous housemates!
To avoid conflict on your departure, make sure to leave the house in exactly the order you were given it, or better! The owner can keep part or all of your deposit if you do not give the agreed notice of you leaving, and if you have outstanding debts regarding expenses.
If owners ask you for copies of your wage slip and or passport documentation, you too, can ask for copies of their identification.
Meet the other occupants of the house if possible, and be sure of how many people live there!
Imagine yourself sitting in that living room, ask yourself if you could consider it 'home!' Be positive!
Don't rush; you will create more stress for yourselfif you have to move again in two months time!!
Check if the area is quiet, how is it on a weekend night, and is that what you want! Check it out!
If you need to use public transport, find out if it is near a bus/train station metro or tube.
If you have a car, can you park?
If expenses are not included, ask the question, how much does it cost for electric etc. Does it get more expensive in the summer with the air conditioning!
Can you afford the extra expenses, or would you be better off looking for somewhere a little more expensive, but with all the expenses included?
Some other things to think about are: can you work from home if you have to; can you bring some friends around? Can you walk to work or university?
If not, how long is the journey!
Advice for Landlords.
One of the best things a future housemate could give you, are references from previous landlord. In a lot of cases, it's not possible, but, wouldn't it be nice!
When receiving money, take cash where possible. If it has to be a check, wait for the check to clear before handing over the keys, and never give someone 'cash back' on a check that has not yet cleared.
Ask for a copy of their documentation, and their wage slip or something to prove they are working. Students usually have a student card showing where they study.
Avoid nasty surprises; know the people before you live with them!
The Spanish Government have introduced a rental subsidy for young persons!
A Royal Decree provides aid for young tenants, a loan to cover the rental guarantee and the cost of guaranteeing the rental contract.
The scheme will be managed by the Autonomous Communities and paid by the State.
The scheme will apply to both existing rental contracts and young persons who are currently sharing with family or friends.
Full details are provided at the Spanish Ministry of Housing Website http://www.mviv.es/en/ Follow the links to ‘formulario renta de emancipacion’. But basically it translates this way:
November 2, 2007 - The Spanish Cabinet today approved a Royal Decree governing a rental subsidy for young persons, between 22 and 30 years, of €210 a month for up to 4 years, plus a loan of 600 euros for the guarantee payment and 120 euros to cover the cost of a bank (or other financial institution) guarantee.
The rental subsidy will apply to young persons who meet the following requirements -
Aged between 22 and 30 years.
In possession of a current rental contract for their habitual first residence.
Those who have no actual rental contract are still eligible to apply for the subsidy and they have 3 months in which to actually contract the property.
A regular source of income, either as an employee or self-employed, for at least 6 months.
Alternatively proof of future income for at least six months.
In either case the total income must not exceed 22,000 Euros per year.
Spanish nationality, nationality of any member state of the European Union or the European Economic Area or a permanent Spanish Residence.
In the case where several individuals and/or family groups share a home the subsidy will be proportioned.
In order to operate the scheme the Ministry of Housing (Ministero de Vivienda) will accept applications at its website and at local offices.
Applicants for the rental subsidy must provide -
A Spanish Identity Card or the equivalent Foreigners Identity Card.
A Social Security Number.
Proof of Employment, Education Grant and/or other source of Income.
In the case of an existing rental agreement: the Rental Contract, Address of the Property, the Owners Name Address and DNI and the Catastral Reference.
Rental Deposit Payment and Guarantee -
In addition to the subsidy of 210 Euros for the rent, the Royal Decree provides aid, up to 120 Euros for the payment of the Financial Fee for a guarantee with a private guarantor and an interest-free loan of 600 Euros for the Rental Deposit Payment.
However, both of the above only apply to new rental contracts (not existing ones) and will be paid only once.
Pre-application for the Rental Subsidy -
Applicants may apply for an "in principle" rental subsidy and, after notification of acceptance for the subsidy, have 3 months in which to present details of the property.
Prevention of Fraud -
Various control mechanisms will be established to prevent fraudulent payments, in particular -
Those who have a family relationship, either direct or via marriage, with the owner of the property are prohibited from receiving the rental subsidy.
Beneficiaries are obliged to notify the Administration of any change in their personal circumstances that alter the conditions that gave the right to receive the subsidy.
Overall Plan of Support -
The Youth Rental Subsidy is part of a comprehensive package of measures promoted by the Ministry of Housing, in collaboration with the Ministries of Economy, Finance and Justice.
These measures includes a wide range of initiatives to encourage both supply and the demand for the rental industry.
An important objective in this case is the emancipation and independence of young people as well as to improve the rental market, which currently represents only 11% of the total housing stock.
The majority of young people want independence, which they are denied for economic reasons.
These measures are intended to facilitate access to a first home to young Spaniards who currently are the slowest in European to gain emancipation, with an average age close to 30 years. See www.alquilerjoven.es for more information