You’re excited to be studying in Barcelona, but you’re not really sure how to go about renting an apartment. There are many factors to consider when living in Spain’s second-largest city, such as location, amenities, and affordability.
In this article, we’ll discuss 5 tips for renting an apartment in Barcelona that fits your needs and lifestyle as a student.
Define your budget
Finding an apartment in Barcelona that fits your needs and preference as a student can be tough. Apartments in Barcelona are notoriously expensive, so it’s important to be realistic about your budget.
To help you figure out how much rent you can afford, start by estimating your monthly housing expenses. This includes utilities (electricity, water, and trash), parking, and other additional costs associated with living in an apartment, such as internet and transportation. Remember to budget for things like damage deposits and utility deposits, as well as possible repairs or upgrades that may need to be made once you move in. A monthly rent that’s higher than these costs may not be feasible.
Be realistic about your needs, and don’t let yourself be pressured into settling for a property beyond your budget. Compare available rental prices in the city to get an idea of what kind of budget range you can comfortably afford.
Don’t be afraid to ask around. Talk to friends, family, and people you know who live in the area you’re interested in. Ask them if they have any ideas of places that fit your budget and what their rent is typically like. You may be surprised at what you can find that fits within your budget if you take the time to look around.
Consider the utilities and amenities available
If you’re looking for an affordable place to call home while in school, consider renting a furnished apartment. This type of housing comes furnished with all the necessary utilities and amenities, such as a kitchenette, free internet, a washer and dryer, parking space, a pool, and cable TV. Plus, it can help you save money because the monthly rent is inclusive of most of these additional perks.
Take into consideration the local utilities. In some cities, cable TV and internet are expensive, so it may be worth looking for an apartment that provides these services.
Whether you’re living on your own or sharing the space with others, make sure you know what utilities are available in the apartment and what your needs are. Communicating your needs with your landlord can help them better understand you and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your rental experience.
Decide on the location
When looking for an apartment to rent, it is important to remember that location is key. Make sure you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for and where you want to live.
Will you be living in the apartment full time or just while school is in session? Do you want to live near campus or in a more residential area? Once you know these basics, it’s time to start looking at neighborhoods. The best way to sort through them is by checking the reviews and ratings on websites and Google Maps.
Once you have decided on the neighborhood, consider what type of housing you would like. Apartment buildings in Barcelona offer flexibility in terms of size, layout, and price. In addition, renting a furnished apartment can be a great way to get started in a new city.
Your commute is the most important factor to consider when deciding on the location of your apartment. Look for apartments that are close to campus or that are accessible through public transportation. You want your commute to be convenient and reasonable.
Find a suitable roommate
Having a roommate can help you afford an apartment in the city because you can split the rent and other living expenses. In addition, if you’re not from Barcelona, it’s much easier to know your way around the city when you’re not alone.
That said, finding the ideal roommate can be challenging. Begin the process by creating a list of potential roommates. You’ll want someone who is compatible with you and shares your interests.
Check out online forums and websites. This is one of the best ways to find people who are already living in the city and are looking for roommates. You can also try reaching out to people you know who live in the area and ask if they have any recommendations.
Take the time to chat with potential roommates in person so that you can get a sense of their personalities and lifestyle. Ask about their living habits and how they would handle sharing a space.
It is also important to be upfront about your needs and expectations from a potential roommate to avoid any misunderstandings.
Understand and negotiate the terms of your lease
Renting an apartment can be an introductory step into independence, but knowing what you’re agreeing to is important before signing the lease. Here are four tips to help you get the most out of your lease:
- Know what is covered under your lease. Your lease will likely have specific terms and conditions that cover everything from rent amount to late payments. Make sure you understand what each section covers so you can hold your landlord accountable.
- Be proactive in negotiating. If you feel that the terms of your agreement are not favorable, be prepared to ask for concessions. Be mindful, however, that asking for too much may mean you won’t be able to rent the apartment at all.
- Have copies of all documents signed. It’s always a good idea to have copies of all documents related to your lease (rent agreement, credit check report, etc) signed by both parties in case of any disputes down the line.
- Know your rental rights. It’s important to be familiar with your landlord’s legal obligations, such as providing smoke and heat detectors in each unit, making necessary repairs, and so on. If something goes wrong during your stay—for example, if your AC unit breaks—you may be able to file a complaint with your landlord or housing authority. In some cases, you may also be entitled to damages if the landlord fails to meet their obligations.
Conclusion
Finding a decent place to call home as a student can be stressful. However, with a little bit of planning and preparation, this process can seem less scary.
We hope that you’ll enjoy your stay in Barcelona based on the tips we’ve shared.
