Renting a flat with a pet: what the landlord can and cannot ask of you

What the law says

The Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos (Urban Leases Act) does not ban keeping animals in a rented flat. But the contract can say whether they are allowed or not, and what you sign binds you. If the contract says nothing, you have to look after the property and you are liable for any damage your animal causes.

Deposit and guarantees

• The compulsory deposit is one month's rent (art. 36.1).
• An extra guarantee can be agreed, for example for having a pet. In housing contracts of up to five years, or seven if the owner is a company, it cannot be more than two months' rent (art. 36.5).
• They cannot make you take out rent default insurance.

How to win the owner over

• Tell them what your animal is like: age, size, whether it is well trained and whether it stays home alone.
• Offer a reference letter from your previous landlord.
• Show them you have third-party liability insurance for the animal.
• Put in writing in the contract that your pet is allowed, with its name and species.

When you leave

Take photos of the property when you move in and when you move out. Scratches, stains or smells caused by the animal can be deducted from the deposit.