Question 1

How much do utilities cost per month in a rental house in San Sebastián?

Accepted Answer

In a rental house in San Sebastián, utilities amount to between 200€ and 400€ extra per month depending on the floor area, the heating system, and whether the property has a garden or swimming pool. The typical breakdown is: 1. Electricity: 80–150€ per month, depending on the size and appliances.
2. Gas or heating: 60–120€ per month (more in winter).
3. Water: 25–60€ per month; can rise significantly if there is a garden or swimming pool.
4. Internet: 30–45€ per month. In rental houses in San Sebastián, utilities are paid based on actual consumption with no fixed advance payments. In privately rented houses in San Sebastián, always confirm what is included in the rent before signing.

Question 2

Who is responsible for what when renting a house in San Sebastián: the landlord or the tenant?

Accepted Answer

In rental houses in San Sebastián, the landlord is responsible for structural repairs and installation breakdowns, while the tenant takes on ordinary maintenance and damage caused by use. The Urban Leases Act (LAU) establishes the following division of responsibilities:
Landlord's responsibilities:
- Structural repairs (roof, façade, foundations, walls).
- Breakdowns of installations not caused by the tenant (boiler, plumbing, electrics, gas).
- Replacement of appliances included in the contract due to natural deterioration.
- Pre-existing infestations or structural damp.
- Maintenance of the property's fixed elements in habitable condition.
Tenant's responsibilities:
- Minor repairs due to ordinary wear and tear (taps, light bulbs, locks, hinges).
- Garden and swimming pool maintenance if stipulated in the contract.
- General cleaning and upkeep of the property.
- Damage caused by misuse or negligence.
- Air conditioning filters and periodic cleaning.
- Pest control if infestations arise during the contract due to lack of hygiene.
In privately rented houses in San Sebastián and long-term contracts, these conditions may be further specified. When renting a house from a private landlord in San Sebastián, it is advisable to set out in writing the allocation of costs for the garden, swimming pool, and outdoor installations before signing — these are the items that generate the most disputes.

Question 3

Where can I find rental houses in San Sebastián?

Accepted Answer

The most effective starting point for finding rental houses in San Sebastián is Rentola, where you will find 8 active listings — you can contact landlords and private owners directly without intermediaries and arrange viewings from the very start. To search effectively: 1. Find all types of properties — terraced houses, villas, estates, rural houses, or village houses depending on your needs. 2. Filter by area, floor area, and price to find options that fit your budget. 3. Set up alerts for new listings — the best rental houses in San Sebastián are rented out within a few days. 4. Have your documentation ready before making contact — NIE, payslips, and employment contract. 5. Always visit before signing — check the condition of the garden, the heating, the utilities, and any signs of damp. On Rentola you can browse all types of rental houses in San Sebastián, both from private landlords and agencies, compare prices, and send enquiries from anywhere.

Question 4

What documents are required to rent a house in San Sebastián?

Accepted Answer

To rent a house in San Sebastián, landlords typically ask for documents that prove your identity, financial solvency, and employment status. Both private landlords and agencies usually request: 1. A valid ID (DNI) or foreigner's identification number (NIE) — essential for signing the 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 for higher-priced rental houses in San Sebastián or long-term contracts. If you are self-employed, landlords usually ask for the latest social security contribution receipts and the quarterly tax return. Landlords typically require proof of net income of between 2.5 and 3 times the monthly rent. Foreign nationals without a NIE may present their passport along with a bank guarantee, although most landlords require it to formalise a house rental in San Sebastián.

Question 5

What is the best time of year to rent a house in San Sebastián?

Accepted Answer

The best time to look for rental houses in San Sebastián is between September and November or in January and February, when demand drops and there is more room to negotiate the price. Seasonal impact: – January–February: low demand, average search time 1–3 weeks. – March–May: good availability with moderate demand, 2–4 weeks. – June–August: very high demand, particularly for houses with a garden or swimming pool — search times of 4–8 weeks and rising prices. – September–November: the best supply-to-demand ratio of the year, 1–3 weeks. For long-term house rentals in San Sebastián, searching outside of peak season allows you to negotiate the rent more effectively. Set up alerts on Rentola to receive new listings as soon as they are published.

Question 6

How much does it cost to rent a house in San Sebastián?

Accepted Answer

The average price to rent a house in San Sebastián is 8100 € per month, depending on the area, size, and condition of the property. The most affordable rental houses in San Sebastián start from 3500 €, while larger properties or those in high-demand areas can reach 16500 € per month. Price differences depend mainly on the floor area, location, condition, and whether the house has a garden, garage, or swimming pool. Use the filters on Rentola to compare options and find the rental house in San Sebastián that best fits your budget.

Question 7

Is it difficult to find rental houses that accept pets in San Sebastián?

Accepted Answer

Finding a rental house in San Sebastián that accepts pets is more straightforward than in the case of apartments, although not all landlords allow them. When renting a house in San Sebastián, particularly houses with a garden or village houses, landlords tend to be more flexible about pets than in apartment buildings.
Some things to bear in mind:
- In Spain there is no law that requires landlords to accept pets — it depends on each individual contract.
- It is common for the landlord to require an additional guarantee or a specific liability clause for any potential damage.
- Breeds considered potentially dangerous require mandatory insurance and may be grounds for refusal.
- In privately rented village houses in San Sebastián, acceptance of pets is generally higher.
Always indicate in your search that you have a pet and filter by this option on Rentola to find rental houses in San Sebastián that allow them from the outset.

Question 8

What are the most common hidden costs when renting a house in San Sebastián?

Accepted Answer

When renting a house in San Sebastián, in addition to the rent you should budget for between 150€ and 400€ extra per month depending on the characteristics of the property. At the start: 1. Security deposit and additional guarantee: 1–3 months' rent tied up upfront.
2. Setting up utility contracts: 50–150€ per contract. Monthly: 1. Community fees (if applicable): 20–60€ per month.
2. Waste collection tax: 50–200€ per year, sometimes passed on to the tenant.
3. Garden or swimming pool maintenance: 50–150€ per month if not included.
4. Home insurance: 15–35€ per month (recommended). Unexpected costs: 1. Minor repairs: damage caused by ordinary use is the tenant's responsibility; budget an average of 20–80€ per month.
2. Property tax (IBI): between 200€ and 800€ per year, occasionally passed on to the tenant if the contract specifies it. For long-term house rentals in San Sebastián, these conditions vary from contract to contract. In privately rented houses in San Sebastián, it is particularly important to review the allocation of costs for the garden, swimming pool, and outdoor installations before signing — these are the items that generate the most disputes between landlord and tenant.

Question 9

How much does it cost to heat a rental house in winter in San Sebastián?

Accepted Answer

Heating a rental house in San Sebastián in winter costs on average between 60 € and 150 € per month, depending on the heating system, the size of the property, and the insulation.
The most common heating systems in rental houses in San Sebastián and their estimated costs are:
1. Natural gas: the most widespread; 80–150 € per month in winter, 30–60 € in spring and autumn.
2. Electric heating (radiators): 80–130 € per month; variable cost depending on the tariff.
3. Air-to-air heat pump: 50–100 € per month; efficient in mild climates.
4. Aerothermal heating (air-to-water heat pump): 40–80 € per month; the most efficient option, common in new-build houses.
5. Wood or pellet: common in village houses for rent in San Sebastián; 40–90 € per month depending on consumption.
Impact of the energy efficiency certificate:
- A–B: approx. 40–80 € per month;
- C–D: approx. 80–130 € per month;
- E–G: can exceed 150 € per month in winter.
In privately rented houses in San Sebastián, the type of heating is not always indicated in the listing — ask before viewing and always check the energy efficiency label.

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