Finding a rental to live in long term

In Spain there are effectively three categories of rental though in many web sites there appear to be only two. (i) Holiday lets, (ii) "Long term" lets and (iii) Long term lets --- ??? --- A holiday let is for a week or two or under two months. Many favour these but licences are needed plus key holders and bed changers and cleaners. Another draw back is the lack of 60% tax relief! In my view too much hassle and of course an erratic income. "Long Term" isn't really long term at all. As you say Oct to June. The owner wants to get "long term" rent in the low season and clean up in the high season - best of both worlds. And he gets no tax relief. On top of this is the erratic income flow. Long term in Spanish law means exactly that. You get three years absolute security of tenure and the right to renew each year by mutual agrement. The rent can only rise annually by the IPC index which is published specifically for rental income. You need a "Contrato Vivienda" and you have more rights than the landlord! However the landlord gets his 60% tax relief - a valuable benefit. Many wil try to fob you off with a "Temporada" - for 11 months BUT if you accept this and renew after the 11 months you acquire all the rights of a Vivienda Long Term contract. Hope all that helps.

That's brilliant information, thank you! 

So would you have any idea where I would start looking for real long term let's? Am I best to be on the ground really? I'm hoping to come over at Christmas so perhaps that would be my best bet...

Send emails to the various agents and say you want LONG TERM not long term!! Forewarned is forearmed. Ask for a sample of the contract - that usually weeds out the rubbish. Save the phone calls for the sensible offers. Remember that unlike England, the landlord pays the IBI (poll tax) and the comunidad. Negotiate about basursa as this is ambiguous.

Thank you... most helpful :) 

One more thing - in my experience the agent charges one month commission to the landlord but you should pay nothing. If they want you to pay as well, look elsewhere. Some agents try to take annual commission - that is NOT acceptable. Any additional commissions would be to the landlord for ongoing management - that is fair but not otherwise.

Oh - and also you shouldn't have to pay more than one month in deposit along with the first month rent. That's the law but often they try for two months - so that's three months in all at the start so a bit of a strain. Only agree if the offer is fantastic!

Thanks again... here in Malta we would pay 1 month deposit, 1 month rent and 50% of a months rent as an agent fee. The landlord pays the other 50%. So I shouldn't be looking to pay any agents fees myself? 

Would you have any idea how they view taking pets in to rental properties? I have to very quiet indoor cats but I know it can be difficult. Often here you will pay double deposit or take out a small insurance policy in case of damages... 

I haven't heard of spliting the agent's commission but no reason why not if both sides agree. Pets are always by mutual agreement. In Spain there has never been a very warm attitude to pets especially in hotels. If agreed, get it written into the contract. Taking an insurance for pets' damage is very unusual if not unheard of. I doubt if you'd find such here. If it's a community property, be very careful to ensure the pets never enter the community gardens - that would cause fireworks!