Short-term or seasonal rentals: what’s the difference and which is right for you in Madrid?
At Proinca, we explain it clearly, because we specialise in offering accommodation in Madrid for those looking for intermediate stays, neither as short as tourist stays nor as long as conventional rentals.
Index of contents
Index of contents
What is a seasonal rental?
El alquiler de temporada es aquel destinado a cubrir una necesidad temporal del inquilino. Está regulado por la Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU), y suele tener una duración de entre uno y once meses. A diferencia del alquiler habitual, el contrato de temporada no tiene como finalidad la residencia permanente, sino una estancia motivada, por ejemplo, por un desplazamiento laboral, un curso académico o una reforma en la vivienda habitual.
La mayoría de nuestros inquilinos de temporada son profesionales que llegan a Madrid por un proyecto laboral o familias que necesitan un piso mientras su casa está en obras. Son contratos claros, con todas las garantías legales y viviendas totalmente equipadas para entrar a vivir desde el primer día.
What is a short-term rental?
Short-term rentals refer to very short-term contracts—from a few days to a few weeks—and are usually associated with tourist rentals. In Madrid, these rentals require a specific licence and are subject to regional regulations on tourist accommodation. They generally include additional services such as cleaning or guest services, which are more typical of the hotel sector than the residential sector.
At Proinca, we do not offer this type of tourist rental. Our model is based on longer temporary stays and long-term rental contracts, always within the framework of the LAU (Urban Leasehold Act), to offer tenants peace of mind throughout their stay.
Main differences between the two types of rental
Although they are often confused, the differences between short-term and seasonal rentals are clear. The former is geared towards holidays, while the latter responds to a specific need to live temporarily in the city.
We can summarise it as follows:
- Duration: short stay (days or weeks) vs. seasonal (months, up to 11).
- Purpose: tourism or leisure vs. work, studies or personal reasons.
- Regulation: tourism regulations vs. Urban Lease Law.
- Type of contract: no regulation of habitual residence vs. legal seasonal contract.
- Tenant profile: visitor vs. temporary resident.
When to choose a seasonal rental in Madrid
Seasonal rentals are the best option when your stay in Madrid has a start and end date. Some real-life examples: an engineer who moves for six months for a project, a master’s student who needs accommodation during the academic year, or a family looking for a flat while renovating their home and coming to enjoy Madrid in the summer. All of them need a temporary home, not a tourist flat.
In any of these cases, they are looking for furnished flats in the best areas of Madrid, with flexible contracts adapted to this type of situation. As a result, many of our clients return every time they come back to the city for work or study.
Frequently asked questions about seasonal rentals
What is seasonal rental?
It is a temporary rental contract regulated by the LAU (Urban Leasehold Act), intended to cover a specific need and with a maximum duration of eleven months.
How long can a seasonal rental last in Madrid?
It usually lasts between one and eleven months, although it can be renewed if the reason for the stay remains the same.
Is seasonal rental legal?
Yes, provided that the contract reflects the temporary nature of the stay and that it is not intended as a habitual residence. Proinca formalises all its contracts in accordance with current regulations.
Can I register as a resident in a seasonal rental flat?
It depends on the local council, although in general it is not permitted to register as a resident in temporary accommodation.
What documentation do I need to rent seasonally with Proinca?
ID card or passport, proof of income or employment contract, and the temporary reason for the stay (work, studies, etc.).
What is a temporary rental contract?
It is a contract regulated by the Urban Leasehold Law (LAU), intended to cover a need for a limited stay, without the property being the usual residence. Seasonal rentals are usually motivated by work, studies or renovations, always with all the legal guarantees.
Conclusion: we offer you the solution for seasonal rentals.
- By submitting the form found on each flat’s listing
- By telephone: (+34) 915 719 344 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm).
- Email: [email protected]
About the Author: Ana Calero
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