Property rental

Hi all. New to the site. My wife and I plan to move to the Valenciana province ( between Valencia and Benidorm) in April 2018. We are initially looking at a long term property rental. Is anyone able to recommend a reputable estate agent? 

Thanks in advance. 

Craig

My immediate thought that the expression a "reputable estate agent" is an oxymoron in Spain, but there must be a few hidden away some where. 

But we used a firm in Valencia a few years ago run by a Brit called Graham  https://www.valencia-property.com  - he might be sales only, but a very helpful and knowledgeable chap.

Thanks. I’ll give him a try. 

You don’t need to use an estate agent. Why pay money needlessly? Some people believe it's just easier. Well paying out money you can actually save often is.

With Spain awash with property for sale/rent making a deal direct with an owner can save you thousands. Agents do very little except drive you around and feed you bull****.

There are numerous institutional internet portals with hundreds of properties for rental all over Spain. They offer some incentives to use them not just trying to put their hands in your pockets.

I posted but two URL’s here on another thread.

Thanks for the info. That may be the way to go. Can you remember which thread you posted the info on previously? 

I have a friend in real estate, they let and sell.  From what they say there is very little property available for long term rental in the area in the which they specialise 

One of the searches we used when buying and found their help and avce good (we did not buy through them) advertises both rent and sell

The link below shows >800 available properties 

https://www.kyero.com/en/costa-blanca-property-long-let-1l55613

Ther are many many more you can search on but how reputable they all are is anyones guess

Craig,  If you're renting for the first time in Spain you need to be aware that it's not the same as UK.  I'm not saying Mickyfinn is wrong, but you are best advised to chat with someone before you rent to learn a bit. 

In Spain there is no "AST" that you have in the UK - they made be what a Letting Agent calls a "standard lease" but be cautious.  Spanish landlords tend to have a different attitude towards deposits - in short don't expect to receive anything back.  You can list as many chips an cracks as you like, take photographs etc - but you may still struggle to see any dosh back.  There's no protection for tenants as you have in the UK and the legal system is lightweight.  It's quite normal not to pay the last 2 months deposit in lieu of the deposit.

British landlord's will generally be a better prospect for you than locals.  You might also get a lease in English, personally I would never sign a document that I don't understand, even with all the assurances you may receive - if you fall out you will probably lose. But as I suggested speak with Graham in Valencia.  He's a good bloke and will be happy to give you a few pointers - there's no compulsion to use him.

Acer

What a really good and helpful post. 

So nice to see (read)

The thread was entitled Unfurnished Rental!

https://www.alquilovers.com/en/app/Ofertas-alquiler-pisos-tres-meses-gratis-de-cualquier-ubicacion

https://www.solvia.es/es/resultadosOportunidades?landing=8&filtroTipo=alquiler&idCategoriaTipoVivienda

Alquiler Lovers are offering up to 3 months rent free and have over a thousand empty properties. My best advice is always use Spanish institutions it broadens the market options and you will get better value. More bureaucracy but worth it in the long run.

acer

Deposits are held by the regional tax authorities if you rent through an institution such as a bank. The tenant is protected, deposits are refunded separately from the property owner and unless there is an issue or dispute it’s always repaid.

Thanks to everyone who has replied and I will definitely speak to Graham in Valencia. Food for thought on the other points. 

Mickyfinn, you must have seen the posts on EOS that suggest that the practice is considerbly different.

We all will have different opinions - I am a landlord in the UK were I manage the properties myself and take great interest in the Spanish approach which I have to say is many years behind us.  For sure, there is far more abuse of tenants - the fact that the 17 regions have their own interpretation of the national laws probably doesn't help.
 

Sure Acer I know abuse exists among certain Spanish property owners. My point essentially is institutions generally are more accountable

before you respond with examples of how they are not and have behaved badly in the past consider the rule of law usually wins in the end

Mickyfinn, I'm sure you mean well, but that's certainly not my experience in Spain.  Hopefully without sounding too pompous I have more litigation experience than most, but I prefer to avoid the problems which can take over your life. 

Knowing I might "win in the end" is no comfort to me.  It's far better to get good advice and avoid the likely confrontations, even if it costs a few quid more. 

You may not agree with this philosophy, but it's mine and I'm happy with it.

Talking of long term rentals advertised on here or anywhere really from. Private landlord. How can I best be sure it’s safe to send money up front for rent , as you know some want 6 months in advance and we can’t get out to see the property first . Any advice please

Hi Lynn,

I would never contemplate entering into a long term contract to rent a property I had not seen.  I would also be wary of any landlord who would do so without meeting you!  A recipe for disaster!  Don't do it!

Lynneand, In one word....DONT .....Easy enough to book B/B for a few days in your desired area

Agree! (that's a first acer) Common sense should tell you it's a scam.

Mickeyfinn, I'm sure you're a nice chap, but really, there's no need to hide it.  Saying it's "common sense" is a bit patronising as no-one ever really knows, including yourself. 

I'm happy taking the requests for advice at face value and don't need anyone to tell me differently.