Seasonal lets: what they are and how they differ from a main-home rental
Duration, deposit, purpose of the contract and risks: what distinguishes a seasonal let from a main-home rental under Spain's Urban Leases Act.
1 min read
A seasonal let is a common choice for students, posted workers or people passing through. It is also part of public debate, so it pays to understand what it is.
The legal difference
A housing lease covers the tenant's permanent need for a home. A seasonal let has another purpose, which is why the Urban Leases Act treats it as a use other than housing.
What changes
- Duration: the mandatory extensions for a main home do not apply.
- Deposit: two months rather than one.
- Terms: what the parties agree carries more weight.
The purpose matters
Calling a contract 'seasonal' does not make it so. State the real, time-limited reason, such as a course or a work posting. If the tenant actually lives there permanently, a judge could treat it as a housing lease, with its rights and terms.
Recent news
Royal Decree-Law 8/2026 expressly excluded seasonal lets from its extension, and it lapsed anyway. Some regions and political groups have proposed further regulation. We have not found a new specific national rule for this contract: check before signing.
Before signing
- If you are a tenant, check the contract reflects your situation.
- If you are a landlord, document the reason and avoid a temporary contract if what you really want is a stable one.
- Also review your region's rules and tourist zones.
