How to Find a Rental Apartment in Barcelona (No Stress)

Let’s be honest—hunting for an apartment in Barcelona can feel like a full-time job. Between endless scrolling, messaging landlords who never reply, and figuring out the paperwork… it’s a lot.

But don’t worry! We’ve helped hundreds of people find their dream rentals in this city, and we’re sharing our go-to steps for making it way easier (and less stressful).

In Barcelona, most landlords will ask for:

• Your passport, NIE (Spanish ID) or any other type of ID
• Proof of income or job contract. Either of yourself or somebody that can sign on your behalf (a parent or a guarantor)
• A bank statement proving you have sufficient funds for the rent payments
• Personal references are not mandatory, but helpful

Our tip: Have these ready in one folder (PDFs work best) so you can apply fast when you find something you like.

Before you dive into listings, figure out your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Ask yourself:

• Do I need it furnished or unfurnished?
• How many bedrooms do I need?
• What’s my monthly budget (realistically, including bills)?
• Any deal-breakers? (No elevator, no pets allowed, etc.)
• Which areas am I open to?

If you’re new to Barcelona, we always recommend starting with a short-term rental while you explore neighborhoods in person.

The good news? There are lots of listings out there.
The bad news? Good apartments go fast. Like, really fast.

Start with these platforms:

• Idealista: the most popular platform
• Fotocasa: a reliable alternative with lots of listings
• Habitaclia: especially useful for properties in Catalonia
• Badi: best for finding rooms / shared flats

 Set alerts on the platforms so you’re the first to know when something new pops up.

Once you start visiting potential apartments, it’s important to look beyond the photos and focus on the practical details that will impact your day-to-day experience.

Natural light – Schedule visits during daylight hours whenever possible to get a true sense of the apartment’s lighting. Good natural light can make a big difference in how a space feels.

Noise and surroundings – Pay attention to the overall noise levels. Listen for sounds from nearby apartments or the street, and don’t hesitate to ask about past issues with neighbors or disturbances. It’s also worth walking around the area at different times of day to get a feel for safety and atmosphere.

Condition of the property – Take a close look at doors, windows, plumbing, and appliances. If you notice anything that doesn’t work properly, flag it early and make sure any necessary repairs are discussed before you sign the contract.

Location and convenience – Consider the apartment’s proximity to public transportation, supermarkets, healthcare facilities, and anything else important to your lifestyle. A great apartment in a poorly connected area can quickly become frustrating.

Responsibility and communication – Clarify who will handle maintenance issues and who your point of contact will be once you’ve moved in. These details should be clearly stated in your rental agreement to avoid misunderstandings later on.

If you can’t visit in person, a real estate agency, like Harper Real Estate can do a video tour for you and answer any questions honestly—because no one likes surprises when moving in.

After all the searching, viewings, and comparisons, you’ve finally found the apartment that feels right. Here’s what to expect in the final steps before you can call it home.

Lease Commitment
Before anything is finalized, most agencies will ask you to sign a lease commitment. This document outlines the key rental terms: monthly rent, contract duration, conditions, and other important details. It’s a way to show your serious intent.

Reservation Payment
At this point, you’ll typically be asked to make a reservation payment. This often covers the agency fee — usually 1 month rent plus VAT. It’s essential that the lease commitment clearly states that this amount will be refunded if the rental doesn’t go through. Always confirm this in writing.

Landlord Review
Once your documents and reservation are submitted, the agency will present your application to the landlord. This step is designed to filter out non-serious applicants and streamline the process for property owners.

The landlord then has a specific timeframe to accept or decline your application. If the application is declined, your reservation payment should be returned promptly. If approved, the final step is straightforward — signing the rental contract and preparing to move in.

Rental contracts in Barcelona can vary depending on the landlord or agency — there’s no standard format. So it’s important to review everything before signing.

Here’s what to double-check:

• Lease duration – How long is the contract, and is it renewable?
• What’s included in the rent – Utilities, Wi-Fi, maintenance fees?
• Deposit amount – Standard is 2 months’ rent, but this should always be clearly outlined.
• Notice period – How far in advance do you need to inform the landlord if you’re leaving?

Typical upfront costs:

• 1 month’s rent
• 2 months’ deposit
• Agency fee (usually 1 month rent + VAT)
• Additional fees if applicable (e.g. ITP tax, final cleaning)

Also keep an eye out for:

• Termination clauses – Some contracts include penalties for early exit. Others allow more flexible notice. Either way, make sure you know what you’re agreeing to.
• Deposit handling – In Catalonia, your deposit should be registered with Incasòl, the official body that holds rental deposits. Confirm that this is noted in your contract.
• Inventory – The contract should list all furniture and appliances included in the flat, along with their condition. This helps avoid disputes later.
• Community fees and property tax – These are often included in your rent, but not always. It should be clearly stated.

Once you’ve reviewed all the details and everything looks good — it’s time to sign. From there, you’ll get your keys and can officially start your new chapter in Barcelona.

Finding an apartment in Barcelona can be stressful—but it doesn’t have to be.

If you:

• Prepare your documents in advance
• Know what you’re looking for
• Use the right tools
• And partner with experienced local professionals

…you’ll navigate the process with ease and secure a place that truly feels like home!