A “temporada” contract is a rental agreement used for stays of 1 to 11 months in Spain, and is governed by the Urban Leases Law (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos – LAU). It differs from a long-term rental contract because it’s designed for temporary needs, like work, studies, or medical treatment, and requires the tenant to have their permanent home elsewhere.
What a temporada contract is
A “temporada” contract (contrato de temporada) is a rental agreement governed by the Urban Leases Law (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos – LAU), specifically articles 2 and 3. It is used for temporary needs, such as work, studies, or medical treatment, and requires that the tenant’s usual home is somewhere else. Without a real temporary cause stated in the contract, a judge can decide it is a standard housing contract. Regional rules and new national decrees are changing fast; check the current situation for your city before signing.
Temporada vs. long-term (vivienda habitual) contract
A temporada contract differs significantly from a long-term contract (vivienda habitual), which is for a tenant’s permanent home. The key differences are outlined below:
| Temporada contract | Long-term contract (vivienda habitual) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | A temporary need with a stated cause: work, studies, medical treatment | The tenant's permanent home |
| Duration | Whatever the parties agree, from weeks to months | The tenant may extend it up to 5 years, or 7 if the landlord is a company |
| Deposit | 2 months' rent (LAU, article 36) | 1 month's rent (LAU, article 36) |
| Renewal | No compulsory extension: it ends on the agreed date | Compulsory extensions for the landlord until those 5 or 7 years |
| Tenant protection | What the contract says, within the LAU rules for uses other than housing | The LAU rules for housing, including the right to the extensions |
These differences mean a temporada contract offers flexibility for shorter stays, while a long-term contract provides greater security and tenant protections.
What the contract must state
A temporada contract must clearly state the temporary cause for the rental – work, studies, medical treatment, and so on – and confirm that the tenant’s usual home is elsewhere. It must also include the agreed duration of the rental, the price and what that price includes (utilities, community fees, etc.), the deposit amount, and any extra guarantees required by the landlord. If the temporary cause stated is not real, a judge can treat the contract as a standard housing contract, giving the tenant more rights.
Deposit and extra guarantees
The legal deposit for a temporada contract is 2 months’ rent (LAU, article 36). The landlord must lodge this deposit with the relevant body of the autonomous community (the regional government). Unlike a long-term contract, there is no legal cap on extra guarantees a landlord can request; this is a matter for agreement between the parties. The deposit must be returned within 1 month of the tenant handing back the keys; after that month, it earns legal interest.
What to check before signing
Before signing a temporada contract, carefully review the following:
- The landlord's identity, and that they own the home or hold a power of attorney: a “nota simple” from the Registro de la Propiedad (the land registry) shows the owner.
- An inventory signed by both parties, with photos of the property’s condition.
- What the price includes – specifically, which utilities and services are covered.
- The cancellation terms – what happens if you need to end the contract early.
- Where the deposit is lodged with the regional government.
- That the contract does not state “vivienda habitual” (permanent home) if it is a temporada contract, nor “turístico” (holiday let) if the stay is for months.
Common problems and what to do
Several problems can arise with temporada contracts. If a contract has no real temporary cause, it may be treated as a standard housing contract, giving you more rights. A contract stating “vivienda habitual” or “turístico” for a stay of months is incorrect and should be questioned. If your deposit is not returned within 1 month of handing back the keys, you are legally entitled to interest. If the landlord cannot show proof of ownership, do not proceed. If the price does not clearly state what it includes, ask for it in writing before paying. In all these cases, keep copies of all correspondence and photos of the property’s condition. Ask the landlord for a "nota simple" to verify ownership.
How much a monthly rental costs vs. a long-term one
According to Idealista, the average price for permanent rental contracts in Spain was 15.1 €/m² per month in August 2026. A furnished flat rented by the month usually costs more than that average. Since July 2026, the Idealista index leaves out seasonal rentals (alquiler de temporada).
Frequently asked questions
What is a temporada contract?
A temporada contract is a rental agreement for temporary needs, such as work or studies, where the tenant’s usual home is elsewhere, as defined by articles 2 and 3 of the LAU.
What deposit is legal for a temporada contract?
The legal deposit for a temporada contract is 2 months’ rent (LAU, article 36).
What happens if the landlord doesn’t return my deposit?
The landlord must return the deposit within 1 month of you handing back the keys. After that month, it earns legal interest.
Can a landlord ask for extra guarantees?
Unlike long-term contracts, there is no legal cap on extra guarantees for a temporada contract; it is a matter for agreement between the parties.