Finding a home to rent in Valencia is exciting — but for many international families, expats, and retirees, the process can also feel frustrating. Even with good income and savings, owners and agencies may hesitate when they see a foreign profile without Spanish payslips or a local credit history. That’s where preparation makes all the difference.
At Livin’Valencia, we help you present a complete, credible, and reassuring tenant dossier, anticipate what owners may ask for, and make sure that each property we visit is actually open to international profiles. Our work is based on a principle of due diligence — carefully verifying every step before you commit, from document preparation to property screening.
Renting in Valencia, or in Spain in general, is not impossible — it simply requires clarity, structure, and the right guidance.
A Solid Tenant Dossier – Your Best Ally
Before anything else, Spanish owners want to know two things: who you are and whether you can pay your rent reliably. To answer that clearly, we prepare with each of our clients a professional dossier that includes all relevant information — identification, visa or residency documents, proof of income, and financial references.
If you don’t have Spanish payslips, that’s not a problem. We help you present alternative proof of solvency such as recent bank statements, pension documents, remote work contracts, or savings certificates. For retirees or families relocating under a Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad Visa, this financial documentation is often even stronger than a standard Spanish contract. The key is to make it clear, complete and consistent — and that’s exactly what we do.
We always verify your dossier in advance before arranging any visits so that you know exactly what to expect, what type of guarantees might be required, and how to plan your budget accordingly. This proactive approach avoids unnecessary disappointments and ensures that every visit we organize is both realistic and worthwhile.
NIE, Visa and Residency Proof
When renting long term, most agencies or landlords will ask for your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). It’s not always mandatory to sign a lease, but it helps enormously because it shows that you’re legally identifiable in Spain.
If you’re still in the visa process, we guide you on what to show instead — for example, your visa approval notice or proof of application. These details reassure owners that you’re moving in legally and staying for the long term. For retirees and families moving with residence visas, we also help coordinate your paperwork so everything aligns with what the landlord expects to see.
Insurance, Guarantees and Upfront Payments
In Spain, the law limits the official security deposit (“fianza”) to one month’s rent for residential contracts. However, in practice, landlords often ask for extra guarantees — especially when tenants are international and don’t have a local financial record.
These guarantees may include an additional one or two months of rent as a private deposit, or in some cases, several months paid upfront (up to six in rare situations). It’s not a sign of mistrust — it’s simply how the Spanish rental market works when the owner doesn’t have an easy way to check your credit.
Another option is a seguro de impago — a rent non-payment insurance. It protects the landlord and can make your profile more attractive. Some insurance companies, however, only accept tenants with Spanish income, so in these cases we help you negotiate alternative guarantees, such as an advance payment, a larger deposit, or a private guarantee letter.
At Livin’Valencia, we always discuss these options before submitting your dossier. We explain your situation clearly to the landlord, highlight your financial stability, and often succeed in reducing excessive requests. Transparency, credibility and presentation make all the difference.
Agency Fees – What to Expect as a Non-Resident
In theory, Spanish law now states that agency fees for residential rentals must be paid by the landlord. In practice, however, many agencies in Valencia still charge foreign tenants — especially when they are not yet fiscal residents in Spain.
This can mean paying the equivalent of one month’s rent or around 10% of the annual rent as a one-time agency fee. We always verify this point before negotiation so that you know exactly what’s included and can decide with full transparency.
Part of our work is also to make sure you’re not charged unfairly. When the fee is unavoidable, we confirm it’s clearly stated and linked to specific services (such as document handling or bilingual contract preparation). No hidden surprises.
How We Work with You
Our job is not only to find you a nice property — it’s to make sure you can actually secure it. That’s why we always start by preparing your dossier before we schedule any visits. Once ready, we shortlist properties where the owners explicitly accept international tenants and are familiar with relocation situations. This avoids wasting time on listings that look good but would never rent to someone without a Spanish contract.
During viewings, we guide you through every detail — from the building’s condition to the rental terms and hidden costs. We also assess the owner’s flexibility and credibility, and once you find the right property, we handle the negotiation, the lease review, and the signature process in both languages if needed.
This level of due diligence and guidance is part of every services — whether you’re renting, buying, or relocating — and it’s especially valuable for non-EU clients who need to align housing, visa, and residency requirements simultaneously. Our approach is always the same: anticipate, verify, and secure each step so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
For Families, Expats and Retirees – Our Practical Advice
If you’re relocating with a family, make sure your financial documentation includes stable income and school registration plans — it signals long-term commitment. Retirees should emphasize pension regularity and proof of medical insurance, which landlords see as signs of reliability.
For remote workers or self-employed professionals, a combination of recent invoices, tax statements, and bank balances can work just as well as local income. The key is not to over-promise but to show solid, verifiable stability.
In Summary
Renting a home in Valencia as a foreigner is entirely possible — when it’s prepared properly. Owners simply need to be reassured, and that’s exactly what we help you achieve.
At Livin’Valencia, we make sure your dossier reflects your solvency, your relocation timeline, and your seriousness as a tenant. We check in advance whether your profile is accepted, explain all guarantees clearly, and negotiate fair terms.
With the right preparation and the right partner, securing your home in Valencia becomes not a challenge, but a well-organized process that leads you home — safely, transparently, and with confidence.
If you’re planning to relocate to Valencia soon, schedule a video call with us. We’ll review your situation, help you understand what to prepare, and make sure you’re fully ready to secure your new home when the right one appears.
