Mid-term rental contracts in Spain typically specify whether utilities, including heating and air-conditioning, are included in the monthly rent or paid separately by the tenant. These agreements are governed by temporada contracts (Ley 29/1994, de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU), artículo 3), which must explicitly state who is responsible for these costs. Data from the Flexsirent observatory shows the percentage of listings in major cities that include bills in the rent, allowing tenants to compare options and budget for their stay of 1 to 11 months.

What Utilities Does a Mid-Term Rental Contract Cover?

A mid-term rental is legally formalized as a temporada contract, which is a lease for a use other than permanent housing that must state a temporary cause such as work or studies (Ley 29/1994, de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU), artículo 3). This contract must specify which utilities the tenant is responsible for paying. According to the Flexsirent observatory (October 2026), the percentage of listings that include bills in the advertised rent varies significantly by city and home type: in Madrid, 77% of flats with two or more bedrooms include bills, while only 43% of rooms in shared flats do. In Barcelona, 77% of studios include bills, compared to 47% of flats with two or more bedrooms. In Valencia, 85% of flats with two or more bedrooms include bills, while 46% of shared rooms do. In Málaga, 81% of one-bedroom flats include bills, whereas 62% of shared rooms do. The contract should be explicit about what is included versus what must be paid separately so that both parties are clear on the total cost.

Understanding the Deposit and Rent Payment in Your Contract

The legal deposit (fianza) for a temporada contract is two months' rent, which differs from the one-month deposit required for a permanent home (Ley 29/1994 (LAU), artículo 36). Whether utilities are included in the monthly rent varies by the type of property and the city. For example, the Flexsirent observatory (October 2026) indicates that in Madrid, 69% of one-bedroom flats include bills, while in Barcelona, 75% of one-bedroom flats do. Tenants should carefully read the specific clause regarding costs to determine if heating and cooling are part of the rent or an additional expense.

What to Check in the Contract Before Signing

When reviewing a rental contract, tenants should verify several specific clauses to avoid disputes. Under the rules of a temporada contract (Ley 29/1994, de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU), artículo 3), the agreement should clearly define the terms of the stay. Tenants should confirm:

  • Which utilities are included, specifically heating, cooling, water, electricity, and internet.
  • Who is responsible for the payment of these services.
  • Whether the monthly rent is inclusive of all bills or if they are separate.
  • When bills are due for payment if they are not included.
  • How any disputes regarding utility consumption or payments are handled.

The Flexsirent observatory (October 2026) provides a benchmark for what is market standard; for instance, it shows that in Valencia, 63% of studios include bills, while in Málaga, 78% of studios do.

Typical Heating and AC Costs Across Spain's Main Cities

The following data from the Flexsirent observatory (October 2026) shows the median monthly rent and the percentage of listings that include bills for different home types.

Madrid

For one-bedroom flats, the median advertised monthly rent is 1,900 €, with 69% of listings including bills. For flats with two bedrooms or more, the median rent is 2,780 €, and 77% include bills. Studios have a median rent of 1,250 €, with 59% including bills. Rooms in shared flats have a median rent of 625 €, and 43% include bills.

Barcelona

One-bedroom flats have a median advertised monthly rent of 1,755 €, with 75% including bills. For flats with two bedrooms or more, the median rent is 2,475 €, and 47% include bills. Studios show a median rent of 1,460 €, with 77% including bills. Rooms in shared flats have a median rent of 733 €, and 51% include bills.

Valencia

One-bedroom flats have a median advertised monthly rent of 1,546 €, with 68% including bills. For flats with two bedrooms or more, the median rent is 2,060 €, and 85% include bills. Studios have a median rent of 1,200 €, with 63% including bills. Rooms in shared flats show a median rent of 430 €, and 46% include bills.

Málaga

One-bedroom flats have a median advertised monthly rent of 1,871 €, with 81% including bills. For flats with two bedrooms or more, the median rent is 2,350 €, and 65% include bills. Studios have a median rent of 1,600 €, with 78% including bills. Rooms in shared flats show a median rent of 650 €, and 62% include bills.

Frequently asked questions

What is a temporada rental contract, and does it specify who pays for heating?

A temporada contract is a lease for a use other than permanent housing, such as for work or studies, and it must state who is responsible for utilities (Ley 29/1994, de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU), artículo 3).

How much deposit must a tenant pay for a mid-term rental contract?

The legal deposit for a temporada contract is two months' rent (Ley 29/1994 (LAU), artículo 36).

What percentage of furnished rentals in Madrid include utilities in the advertised rent?

According to the Flexsirent observatory (October 2026), the percentages are 69% for one-bedroom flats, 77% for flats with two or more bedrooms, 59% for studios, and 43% for rooms in shared flats.

Where can a tenant find out what utilities are included in a Barcelona or Valencia listing?

Tenants can check the specific rental contract, noting that the Flexsirent observatory (October 2026) shows bills are included in 75% of Barcelona one-bedroom flats, 47% of Barcelona two-bedroom flats, 77% of Barcelona studios, 51% of Barcelona shared rooms, 68% of Valencia one-bedroom flats, 85% of Valencia two-bedroom flats, 63% of Valencia studios, and 46% of Valencia shared rooms.