Individual vs company landlord in Spain — how does it change my rights?
When your landlord is a private individual the LAU gives you a five-year minimum tenancy; when the landlord is a company or any legal entity that minimum rises to seven years — and large corporate holders face the strictest rent ceilings in a zona tensionada.
| Individual landlord | Company landlord | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is | A private person | Any company or legal entity |
| Minimum tenure (your right) | 5 years | 7 years |
| Annual rent increase | Capped by the official index | Capped by the official index |
| In a zona tensionada | New rent capped at the previous updated rent | Large holders: also the index ceiling — lower prevails |
| Agency fee | Landlord pays | Landlord pays |
| Deposit | 1 month + up to 2 guarantee | 1 month + up to 2 guarantee |
The headline difference is security of tenure: a company landlord is bound for seven years versus five for an individual, even if the written contract is shorter — the longer term is the tenant's to claim.
In declared zonas tensionadas, large corporate holders ('grans tenidors') face the tightest price ceilings, so a tenant of a big landlord there is often the most protected on rent.
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Related
Sources: Ley 29/1994 de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU) — BOE; Ley 12/2023 por el derecho a la vivienda — BOE.
General information for people buying property in Spain — not legal, tax or financial advice.
Last reviewed June 2026.