I’m going to be blunt: finding a rental in Madrid right now feels like a high-speed competition. I’ve seen great apartments disappear in less than four hours.
If you approach this search casually, you might end up frustrated and stuck in a hotel for weeks. This checklist isn't just about "what to do". It's about how to be the person the landlord chooses out of 20 other applicants.
1. Preparation: The "Tenant CV"
In Madrid, landlords don’t just want your money; they want peace of mind. To win, you need a "Tenant CV" ready as a single PDF on your phone before you even book a viewing.
What goes inside your folder:
- Proof of Identity: Your Passport and your Spanish NIE or Visa.
- Spanish Work Contract & Payslips: Landlords usually want to see that you earn at least 3 times the monthly rent.
- The "Paper Trail": Last 3 payslips and a bank extract showing the money actually coming IN.
- The Secret Weapon: A reference letter from a previous landlord. It’s rare in Spain, which is exactly why it makes you stand out.
Pro Tip on Savings: To be truly prepared, you should have 6 months' worth of rent in a Spanish bank account before you start. This covers your first month, the 1-month legal deposit (fianza), and the typical 2-month additional guarantee.
2. Strategy: Narrow Your Search
Don't "look everywhere." Madrid is a city of distinct villages, each with a different vibe.
- The M-30 Rule: For the best metro proximity and expat lifestyle, focus your search within the M-30 highway loop.
- The Pet Trade-off: If you have a pet, look for unfurnished apartments. Landlords are much more likely to accept animals if they aren't worried about their own furniture being damaged.
- The Budget: €1,400 is a realistic starting point for a quality 1-bedroom or studio in central areas like Chamberí or Salamanca.
3. The Hunt: "Call, Don't Click"
When you find a place you love on Idealista, do not use the "Contact" button. By the time the agent reads that email, the flat is gone.
We use a 3-Round Persistence Rule for our clients. In each round we:
- The Call: Call the listed phone number immediately.
- The WhatsApp: If they don't pick up, send a polite WhatsApp.
- The Portal Message: Only then do you send the Idealista message.
The numbers game: Expect to call at least 20 properties to get roughly 8–12 viewings. If you don't speak Spanish, have a friend call for you, or reach out to us.
4. Negotiation & Due Diligence
Once you find "the one," don't let the excitement blind you. Ask for proof of ownership before paying anything.
- The Nota Simple: This is the official registry document proving who actually owns the flat. You can get it yourself at
registradores.org. - Direct Payment: Always aim to pay the owner directly, never an individual agent's personal account. You can request a bank certificate for that purpose.
- The Contract: Spanish rentals are bound by the LAU (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos). Ensure the contract lists email as a valid way of communication—this is vital for tracking future repair requests and issues.
5. Move-in: Protecting Your Deposit
The day you get the keys is the most important day for getting your deposit back later.
The Evidence Rule: Before you move a single box in, take a full video walkthrough and photos of every single defect, scratch, or leaking tap. Send all of it to the owner or agent via email immediately so there is a timestamped record. This is your insurance policy.
6. The "Padrón" (Your Residency Key)
Once you sign your lease, your first task is to register at the Town Hall (Empadronamiento).
- Why it matters: You cannot get your physical residency card (TIE) or access local healthcare without it.
- How to do it: Book an appointment at your nearest Oficina de Atención a la Ciudadanía.
Final Thoughts
Renting in Madrid is an adventure, but it’s one you can win with the right preparation. Stay persistent, keep your "Tenant CV" ready, and don't be afraid to walk away if the paperwork doesn't look right.
Worried about the fine print? Learn how we handle the search and negotiation for you.