How to Rent an Apartment Safely: Peace of Mind for Landlords and Tenants

Renting an apartment may seem like a simple process, but when your home—or your peace of mind during a temporary stay—is at stake, safety becomes invaluable. Avoiding unpaid rent, fraud, misunderstandings, or legal issues largely depends on how the initial steps are managed. Whether you’re the landlord or the tenant, knowing how to rent an apartment safely will help you avoid unnecessary risks and focus on what truly matters.

How to Protect Your Property When Renting: Tips for Landlords

For landlords, renting out a property means temporarily handing over control of a valuable asset. Ensuring it is used properly and minimizing risks is possible if the right decisions are made from the very start.

Tenant Verification: What Documents Should You Request to Ensure Reliability?

One of the most common mistakes is trusting without verifying. To rent safely, it’s essential to know your tenant and confirm their financial stability and rental profile. There are a few basic documents you should always request:

• Identity document (DNI, NIE, or passport) to confirm the person is who they claim to be.
• Employment contract or employer’s letter—especially for work-related rentals—to ensure they have a stable source of income.
• Recent payslips or proof of income to assess their actual ability to pay rent.
• Optionally, a certificate showing no outstanding debts for added peace of mind.
  

In addition to reviewing these documents, a personal interview (in person or via video call) can help you understand their reasons for renting and build trust.

Guarantees and Insurance: Protecting Your Property Against Unexpected Events

Even if your tenant is solvent and responsible, unforeseen situations can still occur. That’s why it’s advisable to include additional protection measures:

• Legal security deposit: In Spain, this is equivalent to one month’s rent, but you can agree on an additional deposit if both parties consent.
• Rental non-payment insurance: Covers missed rent payments and often includes legal defense in case of disputes.
• Bank or personal guarantee: An extra assurance that can be requested for long-term rentals or if the tenant’s profile isn’t solid.
• Home insurance with liability coverage: Protects both the property and potential damages to third parties.
  

Key Measures to Ensure the Tenant’s Safety and Peace of Mind During Their Stay

Tenants renting an apartment primarily seek stability and the absence of unpleasant surprises. A safe rental experience begins at the signing stage and is maintained through clear communication and professional management.

Provide a Clear, Detailed Contract: The Foundation of a Good Relationship

One of the pillars of a strong landlord-tenant relationship is having a well-drafted contract. This document should outline all relevant aspects of the rental and avoid ambiguities so that both parties know exactly where they stand in any situation. Key elements include:

• Rental duration, especially if it’s temporary.
• Monthly rent and payment conditions.
• Included or excluded services (water, electricity, internet, cleaning, etc.).
• Inventory of furniture and its condition.
• Specific rules—for example, whether pets are allowed.
• Conditions for early termination or contract renewal.
  

Such a contract helps resolve questions before they arise and provides clarity from day one. Ensuring it meets all legal requirements is one of the main recommendations given to tenants and allows the landlord to offer guarantees from the start.

Establish an Open and Accessible Communication Channel

Even with a well-defined contract, incidents can occur during the tenancy. Several methods can ensure smooth interaction between landlord or manager and tenant, resolving questions or problems quickly:

• Provide a direct phone number or email for emergencies or queries.
• Commit to responding within a reasonable timeframe.
  

A professional yet approachable attitude reinforces the tenant’s sense of security and improves their overall experience—especially if they are new to the city or the area.

How to Draft a Rental Contract That’s Safe for Both Parties

Legal security is key in any rental agreement—for both the landlord and the tenant. A well-drafted rental contract prevents conflicts, protects the rights of both sides, and makes resolving disputes easier. Essential points to include are:

• Full identification of both parties.
• Description of the property, including address, size, and features.
• Contract duration with start and end dates.
• Rent amount, payment method, and payment deadline.
• Deposit amount and conditions for its return.
• Tenant’s obligations: property care, proper use, no subletting, etc.
• Landlord’s obligations: maintenance, repairs, providing receipts, etc.
• Detailed inventory, especially for furnished rentals.
  

For seasonal rentals, it’s advisable to specify that the property is not a permanent residence to avoid confusion about applicable regulations.

How to Avoid Rental Scams: A Practical Guide for Landlords and Tenants

In an increasingly digital environment, rental scams have become more common. Both landlords and tenants should take extra precautions to avoid falling victim. Here are some recommendations:

For landlords:

• Do not post sensitive personal information on public platforms.
• Never hand over the keys without signing a legal contract.
• Always verify the tenant’s identity.
• Use secure, documented payment channels (bank transfers, recognized platforms).

For tenants:

• Be wary of apartments with prices that are extremely low or conditions that seem “too good to be true.”
• Never pay in advance without receiving legal documentation and verifying the landlord’s identity.
• Ensure the property exists and that the person renting it has the right to do so (you can request a simple property registry note).
• Prefer renting through reputable companies that offer clear contracts, support, and guarantees.

Renting an apartment safely is not just about paperwork—it’s about creating the right conditions for a positive, worry-free experience based on trust. Working with a specialized company like BizTrip is the best way to ensure the entire process runs smoothly and without unpleasant surprises.