Flat rental with pets: What does the law say?  

In Spain, only about 5% of rental homes allow pets, yet the number of households with animals is around 44%, so much remains to be done to normalise accepting pets in any situation.

Nevertheless, animal welfare laws are advancing, with the aim that pets be considered another member of the family and so are not a motive for rejection when renting a home.

Rent and pets: what does the law say?

In Spain, the law that regulates rentals - the Law of Urban Leases (LAU) - does not specify anything about pets, leaving landlords free to decide whether or not to accept them in their rental apartment.

As for the residents' committee, the Horizontal Property Law establishes that neither the community of owners nor any other inhabitant of an appartment block can prohibit the presence of animals in rented flats inthe building. However, if the animal causes problems, the community can take action.

Therefore, despite the fact that since December 2021 animals are considered sentient living beings, and that since January 2022 they have been considered by law to be part of the family nucleus, when it comes to renting a home, the landlord always has the last word.

Therefore, despite the fact that since December 2021 animals are considered sentient living beings, and that since January 2022 they have been considered by law to be part of the family nucleus, when it comes to renting a home, the landlord always has the last word.

Why don't landlords allow pets in rental flats?

There are multiple reasons why landlords don't allow pets in their rental flats, but the most common include the belief that animals will damage the house, bark or otherwise disturb other residents, and that it's harder to keep a house with animals clean.

Sometimes, if the landlord does not have pets or does not like them, they will not consider allowing them in their property.

Tips for getting a rental if you have a pet

Since the decision to allow pets is up to the apartment owners and dialogue is the best way for people to understand each other, here are some tips for gaining a landlord's trust and ensuring they admit our pets to a rental apartment:

• The new Animal Welfare Law, which comes into force on 29 September 2023, requires owners to have contracted liability insurance for pets, which would cover any damage that the animal could cause.
• Show the landlord any certification you have so they can see that your pet is in perfect conditions of health and hygiene and let them know that if they wish, they can even talk to our veterinarian or trusted canine educator.
• Make a visit to the property with your pets so that the owner can get to know them. As long as your pet is well trained, the landlord will be able to see for themselves that they will not cause any problems.
• Include a clause in the rental agreement for both parties regarding the admission of pets, including the type of animal and its characteristics, and the obligations of the owner in the event of a mishap.
• If you have previously rented another apartment, you can contact the owners so that the previous landlord or neighbours can give you and your animal a good reference.