Question 1

What are the most common hidden costs when renting a property in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

When renting a property in Bilbao, the monthly rent is not the only expense to take into account. These are the most common ones that tend to be overlooked: One-off costs at the start: 1. Security deposit and additional guarantee: 1–3 months' rent held until the end of the contract.
2. Setting up or transferring utility contracts: 50–150 € per contract. Regular costs not included in the rent: 1. Community fees: 30–80 € per month, depending on the building; not always paid by the landlord.
2. Waste collection tax: 50–200 € per year, passed on to the tenant in many long-term rentals in Bilbao.
3. Internet: 30–45 € per month if not included.
4. Cleaning of common areas or concierge services: variable depending on the building. Unexpected costs: 1. Minor repairs: in Spain, damage caused by ordinary use is the tenant's responsibility.
2. Tenant's home insurance: 10–25 € per month (not mandatory, but recommended). For property rentals in Bilbao, these conditions vary from contract to contract, so it is worth reviewing it line by line whether you are renting directly from a private landlord or through a long-term rental agency in Bilbao. In either case, always ask for a full breakdown of costs before signing.

Question 2

How much is typically spent on utilities in a rental property in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

Utilities are not usually included in the rent of a rental property in Bilbao, and you should budget an additional expense of between 100 € and 200 € per month on average, depending on the size of the rental property and consumption. The most common expenses are: 1. Electricity (approx. 60–100 €), paid directly to the electricity company based on actual consumption.
2. Gas or heating (approx. 30–60 €), billed monthly or bi-monthly based on consumption.
3. Water (approx. 15–30 €), generally in the tenant's name.
4. Internet (approx. 30–40 €), with a new contract or transfer of the existing one. In Bilbao, utilities are paid based on actual consumption, with no fixed advance payments. In winter, gas and electricity bills can rise by 30–50%, reaching 200–300 € per month in poorly insulated rental properties in Bilbao. When looking for a rental property in Bilbao, always review the contract and confirm which utilities are included — rental agencies in Bilbao or the landlord must clearly indicate this before signing.

Question 3

How do I find a rental property in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

The fastest way to find a rental property in Bilbao is through Rentola, where there are 553 active listings — you can contact landlords and private owners directly without intermediaries and arrange viewings from the very start. To search effectively: 1. Set up alerts for new listings — the best rental properties in Bilbao are rented out within a few days. 2. Filter by area, size, and price to avoid wasting time on options that do not fit your needs. 3. Have your documentation ready (DNI or NIE, payslips, employment contract) before making contact. 4. Reply on the same day — in high-demand cities, waiting a few hours can be enough to lose the property. On Rentola you can browse rentals in Bilbao, compare prices, and send enquiries from anywhere. The more prepared you are at the first point of contact, the better your chances of securing the rental property in Bilbao you are looking for.

Question 4

What documents do I need to sign a rental contract for a property in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

To sign a rental contract for a property in Bilbao, you will typically need to provide: 1. A valid ID (DNI) or foreigner's identification number (NIE) — an essential document for any contract.
2. The last 3 payslips or equivalent proof of income.
3. Most recent income tax return (IRPF).
4. Employment contract (permanent or temporary).
5. Bank guarantee or personal guarantor — common in high-demand rental properties in Bilbao. If you are self-employed, landlords usually ask for the latest social security contribution receipts and the quarterly tax return. Foreign nationals without a NIE may in some cases present their passport along with a bank guarantee, but most landlords require it. Obtaining it before starting your property search makes renting in Bilbao a smoother process. For property rentals in Bilbao, landlords typically require proof of net income of between 2.5 and 3 times the monthly rent. Having your documentation ready gives you an advantage over other interested parties.

Question 5

How much is the security deposit usually for a long-term rental in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

In a long-term rental in Bilbao, the mandatory legal security deposit is 1 month's rent, in accordance with the Urban Leases Act (LAU). In addition, the landlord may require an additional guarantee of up to 2 further months' rent. In high-demand rentals in Bilbao, it is common to ask for 2–3 months in total — with an average rent of 951€, this means disbursing up to three times that amount before moving in.
The security deposit covers:
- Unpaid rent during the contract.
- Damage to the property caused by the tenant.
- Outstanding utility bills upon termination.
The deposit must be returned within a maximum of 1 month after the keys are handed back, deducting only documented damage — not normal wear and tear. If the landlord does not return it within that period, the tenant has the right to claim interest. In Spain, the security deposit is legally mandatory for all rentals in Bilbao, regardless of whether you rent through a rental agency in Bilbao or directly from a private landlord.

Question 6

How much does my salary need to be to rent a property in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

For renting a property in Bilbao, the general rule is that the rent should not exceed 30–35% of your net monthly income. With an average rent of 951€, you would need a net salary of at least 3 times the monthly rent for landlords to consider your application. In addition to the rent, you need to account for the usual monthly expenses: 1. Utilities: 100–200 €
2. Food: 250–400 €
3. Transport: 40–80 € (monthly pass in most cities)
4. Phone and internet: 40–60 €
5. Leisure and other: 100–200 € In total, living in a rental property in Bilbao amounts to an estimated monthly expenditure of between 700 € and 1,200 € per month, not including rent. Both for private rentals and through long-term rental agencies in Bilbao, landlords typically require proof of income of 2.5–3 times the monthly rent. The average net salary in Spain is around 1,600–1,800 € per month. With an average rent of 951€, the margin can be tight in high-demand cities — in that case, flat-sharing or looking for rentals in Bilbao in outlying areas is the most common option to balance the budget.

Question 7

What is the average rental price for property in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

The average rental price for housing in Bilbao is around 951 € per month. Depending on the type of rental property, the area, and the amenities, prices vary: the most affordable options start from 375€, while the most in-demand properties can reach 3200 € per month. For long-term rentals, these differences depend mainly on the size, location, and condition of the property. Comparing multiple rental listings in Bilbao through Rentola helps to better understand the local market and find the most suitable option.

Long-term rentals in Bilbao

Rent by property type

Rent in nearby cities

Rentals in top cities

Barcelona

Madrid

Málaga

Palma de Mallorca

Seville

Murcia

Frequently asked questions