Just a recommendation from a fellow traveler, Airbnb has a lot of short and long-term rentals all over the world. They are furnished and the utilities are included. I use them everywhere I travel so I can get a feel for the area and not be committed to a legal contract in a foreign country. That being said, thanks for sharing your story.
An AirBnB for that amount of time would be double what she's paying- minimum. Here where I am, in Valencia, an AirBnB is typically 3x more expensive than an apartment.
Tammy, I understand where you're coming from and in some countries or cities that may be an option but for a six month airbnb for what I was looking for in Barcelona its WAY out of my budget. Because this is the second most traveled to city in Europe airbnbs are booked up quickly and expensive because they CAN! I am now paying $600 a month for a room in a 3 bedroom apartment in the middle of the city. Its worth the hustle at first. The other good thing is I can extended my contract with my apartment. So I have the option of after 6 months not having to pack up and move my things again. Airbnb would have the dates posted of when I move out and at anytime some one else could book it up. :) I hope that helps with understanding the benefits. -Ash
Renting in Valencia was the same process! It took us 5 weeks of non-stop calling, emails and multiple apartment visits to find a place..and still ended up in an overpriced place without AC. In all the Facebook groups I'm in, there are several posts a week where people are trying to find apartments. It's brutal! There are also places here for ask 6 months to a full YEAR upfront from foreigners who don't have a Spanish work contract (like most people who move here). Also, we had to pay an agent fee of one month to an agent who literally did nothing. We found the place ourself- and had to chase them down the whole time, since their communication was awful (super typical of agents in Spain). 😬 Glad you found something!
Sheesh Brandon...lol you feel my pain and I feel yours. All housing goes so fast and like you said...SO many people are looking. I feel so blessed to have gotten the place we have. IT HAS AC haha (not as necessary now though) I'm glad you did end up with a place but I get paying that dang fee when not much was done but some papers. :) -Ash
From experience of my family private renting houses in the UK Ash, take dated photo's of every bit of damage you can see, notify the agent as soon as you accept the tenancy. There are rogue landlords who will try to keep your bond to fund upgrades to their property, claiming worn out and old damage to fittings are all what you have done. Don't know if Spain has the same, but in the UK your bond is required to be legally held in a secure independent deposit facility, and you should have the details. Some landlords and agents still flout the law and will try to keep your bond if you cannot prove you were not responsible for the old damage.
Thank you so much for looking out for me. I have taken photos and have sent them over to the agency and have kept them also for myself. These buildings are old and have many things that are dated and or cracked lol its part of the charm. :) Thanks for looking out for me! I appreciate it.
Wow! Enjoy yourself …Barcelona one of my favourite places for Food along with Tokyo, Tuscany & Istanbul Try El Xampanyet steak & peppers and their chorizo tortilla
Hey Ash. Spanish property laws are very robust in favour of the tenant. Also I believe the Spanish tenancy law is still in place that a tenant can roll any 6 month lease up to 5 years. There are regulated price increases allowed. A landlord can't stop you if you are paying the rent on time. Oh and the guardia take any landlord's sillyiness seriously. One of my landlords in Spain ended up in a cell overnight for trying to turn my electric off (he wanted me to leave to sell the place and decided removing my utilities was the way to do it!).
That's interesting. We still have rogue landlords and letting agents in the UK that try to exploit new tenants who aren't aware of all their rights. My daughter had a rogue landlord who tried to keep her bond for all the old damage in her first house. Her neighbour warned her to take photo's as she had witnessed it being there many years and the landlord trying the same scam.. The owner would also try to make a large rent and bond increase to renew the first 6 month lease, not many stayed beyond the first lease. Her next landlord tried to charge her £850 for a new door which had already been repaired many times before they lived there. He didn't securely deposit her bond either and had to pay her compensation for what he attempted to do.
Wow thank you for all the info Rich. I assume this is why its really good to go through an agency. So far they have been very responsive and helpful. When moving into a fully furnished place we had many items missing (especially in the kitchen) They said we can replace the items and send the receipt. They will take the amount out of out next months rent. I have been very happy so far by the way they have taken care of us.
@@WingingItWithAsh Spanish landlords could do what they wanted to end a tenancy like shut your water off until around 20 years ago when the EU told Spain they needed to sort it. It then went the other way and most things are in favour of the tenant now! Sure you know this Ash but the main thing to be aware of in Spain is bills attach to property and not a person.
Great video for anyone who is about to rent an apartment to watch. Not just for Barcelona but most of what you went over would apply anywhere. One suggestion is to videotape the apartment or as soon as possible. When you leave they can't say this or that is not in the condition that you found it. But I'm so happy that you finally got a place that you like 😊
Sox Rox! I will be filming it soon. But to ease your concern I have taken photos of everything and have sent it to the rental company along with keeping it myself. :) Its good advice for anyone renting a a space. -Ash
What a nightmare!! So impressed that you have managed to navigate your way through and have now found yourself a good place to stay. I know that Barcelona is one of the more difficult places to find affordable accommodation because of its popularity but wow!!
It was less of a nightmare and more a learning experience. I am so glad I had the time that was necessary to dedicate to going to the agencies and talking to people. It all worked out and was not as difficult as it is for some. -Ash
It's does indeed go fast, but renting an apartment without seeing it is not a thing (and you should never do that, ever). Do not be fooled, foreigners are often targeted like this. Essentially the second the advertisement goes live on Idealista you need to call (not email, they won't respond) to make a viewing appointment. What they do is as soon as they have X amount of viewings lined up, they remove the listing because it's almost guaranteed that one of those X amount of viewings will result in a new tenant. It's a tough process, you need to be on top of it and be extremely proactive.
Honest question, I am not being mean or bitchy in any way: Why would you put yourself through all of that chaos, time, money, paperwork, etc., when you could rent through Airbnb or VRBO or a similar service? I am genuinely curious. It sounds like a nightmare and something I'd avoid at any length. What is the benefit of putting yourself through this process?
Tammy, I understand where you're coming from and in some countries or cities that may be an option but for a six month airbnb for what I was looking for in Barcelona its WAY out of my budget. Because this is the second most traveled to city in Europe airbnbs are booked up quickly and expensive because they CAN! I am now paying $600 a month for a room in a 3 bedroom apartment in the middle of the city. Its worth the hustle at first. The other good thing is I can extended my contract with my apartment. So I have the option of after 6 months not having to pack up and move my things again. Airbnb would have the dates posted of when I move out and at anytime some one else could book it up. :) I hope that helps with understanding the benefits. -Ash
@@WingingItWithAsh Thank you SO much for answering me! Now I have a better understanding as to "why". Love your vids from Spain--been a fan for many years, Used to watch WayAway. Once again, thank you.
Thats very useful info for any one coming to study or work , nice you have a Flat mate to join you 🥰 Looking forward to seeing your Flat tour hope its in an area you like . That you have now settled in ok 🙏 Are there just as much stairs to climb as your first apartment 🤔🤦♀️😂 that was awful I know you can’t be fussy ,with all the housing problems ,& and indeed trusting what you see on films or photos ,🙏 that it is indeed that building ,not land up in a horrible un- attended one that needs alot of work🤦♀️ You read about the scammers specifically with students starting a new uni etc. And with the housing market going crazy . Its alot understand fully the stress it has caused you both , trust is a huge issue specifically when it involves money & all the taxes that need to be payed up front . So Happy for you both finding some where , Hows your Spanish course going ? You heard anything more about your Permit to stay & being a student ? Have a Good week 🥰
Hey Gwyneth, I am so grateful to have such a great roommate. Its a HUGE blessing that it worked out the way it did. When I moved here I didn't know if I would make friends and thankfully I got a friend and future roommate day one in Spanish class! Its amazing and an answer to prayer. As far as stairs there are WAY less lol Now I can come and go as I please...before I would question everywhere cuz of the mountain of stairs I'd have to climb when I got back haha. Spanish is slow but good. I am still very much enjoying learning and hope to extend. i have a LONG way to go. -Ash
That agency fee sucks, I feel like it shouldn't be that high as here (Australia) the agent makes money by getting a percentage of the rent from the landlord.
Oh interesting. The fee does suck. It seems if they are not showing the homes, all they need to do is post it online and have the contracts signed. Its a large fee for paperwork it seems because the process does not include as much time as it did in the past.
Hi JJ luckily most of the agents I spoke with spoke English. I think this is very specific to Barcelona. I imagine in other places in Spain the language barrier would be much more difficult. -Ash
@@gasman6163 No really, theres a lot of 4, 5, even 10 minute long infomercials being stuffed into most videos I watch. Pretend multi millionaires selling their secret skills in a course package to gullible fools. Get rich quick scams. I usual click away at 5 seconds, but to help Ash, I let them run to completion. More ad minutes than the actual Ash’s video.
Just a recommendation from a fellow traveler, Airbnb has a lot of short and long-term rentals all over the world. They are furnished and the utilities are included. I use them everywhere I travel so I can get a feel for the area and not be committed to a legal contract in a foreign country. That being said, thanks for sharing your story.
I was thinking Airbnb would be an option.
There's no way you can rent en entire apartment on Airbnb for the price she is paying now.
An AirBnB for that amount of time would be double what she's paying- minimum. Here where I am, in Valencia, an AirBnB is typically 3x more expensive than an apartment.
Tammy, I understand where you're coming from and in some countries or cities that may be an option but for a six month airbnb for what I was looking for in Barcelona its WAY out of my budget. Because this is the second most traveled to city in Europe airbnbs are booked up quickly and expensive because they CAN! I am now paying $600 a month for a room in a 3 bedroom apartment in the middle of the city. Its worth the hustle at first. The other good thing is I can extended my contract with my apartment. So I have the option of after 6 months not having to pack up and move my things again. Airbnb would have the dates posted of when I move out and at anytime some one else could book it up. :) I hope that helps with understanding the benefits. -Ash
@@WingingItWithAsh Hi Ash, thanks for the reply. I do have a better understanding now, thank you.
Well done video! Glad you found a good friend to share an apartment with; 👀 forward to the tour😎
Yeah!! Tour is coming soon! I am also so so happy to find a great friend so soon!
Renting in Valencia was the same process! It took us 5 weeks of non-stop calling, emails and multiple apartment visits to find a place..and still ended up in an overpriced place without AC. In all the Facebook groups I'm in, there are several posts a week where people are trying to find apartments. It's brutal!
There are also places here for ask 6 months to a full YEAR upfront from foreigners who don't have a Spanish work contract (like most people who move here).
Also, we had to pay an agent fee of one month to an agent who literally did nothing. We found the place ourself- and had to chase them down the whole time, since their communication was awful (super typical of agents in Spain). 😬
Glad you found something!
Sheesh Brandon...lol you feel my pain and I feel yours. All housing goes so fast and like you said...SO many people are looking. I feel so blessed to have gotten the place we have. IT HAS AC haha (not as necessary now though)
I'm glad you did end up with a place but I get paying that dang fee when not much was done but some papers. :) -Ash
From experience of my family private renting houses in the UK Ash, take dated photo's of every bit of damage you can see, notify the agent as soon as you accept the tenancy. There are rogue landlords who will try to keep your bond to fund upgrades to their property, claiming worn out and old damage to fittings are all what you have done. Don't know if Spain has the same, but in the UK your bond is required to be legally held in a secure independent deposit facility, and you should have the details. Some landlords and agents still flout the law and will try to keep your bond if you cannot prove you were not responsible for the old damage.
Agree 👍
Thank you so much for looking out for me. I have taken photos and have sent them over to the agency and have kept them also for myself. These buildings are old and have many things that are dated and or cracked lol its part of the charm. :) Thanks for looking out for me! I appreciate it.
@@WingingItWithAsh Better than an argument to get your bond back 😁👍
NEEDED THIS! The rental process has been stressful to plan. My dog and I will be there on the 30th!
Yeahhhh!! I was really hoping to help at least one person.
I am moving to Barcelona in 2025 but will check out the city in mid 2024. Your vlog helps in keeping me motivated with my moving plan
Thanks
How exciting! I'm so glad I to help in any way I can. -Ash
Great info. Thanks for sharing your experience on renting an apartment in Spain.
A great learning experience, one the will help you going forward and thanks for sharing! All the best!
YES!! Its been a process but a good experience.
Very informative Ash well done. Love the nails! Excited for the apartment tour next 😁❤️
Thanks so much Mel. I like that maybe I can help one person navigate the craziness. -Ash
Wow...you look happier than you have in years. Way to go Ashley, Spain is good for you !!!!
I am a fan of this channel even more!
Can’t wait for the apartment tour! Congratulations! ~Cara 💖
Thank you so much Cara! -Ash
Lovely video. Thanks for sharing your experience renting in Barcelona. 👍🥰
Its my pleasure! I'm hoping it'll help someone in the future.
Thank you so much for doing this Ashley! Super realistic and helpful. Really love the insight on co living spaces. l
Wow! Enjoy yourself …Barcelona one of my favourite places for Food along with Tokyo, Tuscany & Istanbul
Try El Xampanyet steak & peppers and their chorizo tortilla
OOOHHH food recommendations are THE BEST! Thank you
Hey Ash. Spanish property laws are very robust in favour of the tenant. Also I believe the Spanish tenancy law is still in place that a tenant can roll any 6 month lease up to 5 years. There are regulated price increases allowed. A landlord can't stop you if you are paying the rent on time. Oh and the guardia take any landlord's sillyiness seriously. One of my landlords in Spain ended up in a cell overnight for trying to turn my electric off (he wanted me to leave to sell the place and decided removing my utilities was the way to do it!).
That's interesting. We still have rogue landlords and letting agents in the UK that try to exploit new tenants who aren't aware of all their rights. My daughter had a rogue landlord who tried to keep her bond for all the old damage in her first house. Her neighbour warned her to take photo's as she had witnessed it being there many years and the landlord trying the same scam.. The owner would also try to make a large rent and bond increase to renew the first 6 month lease, not many stayed beyond the first lease. Her next landlord tried to charge her £850 for a new door which had already been repaired many times before they lived there. He didn't securely deposit her bond either and had to pay her compensation for what he attempted to do.
Wow thank you for all the info Rich. I assume this is why its really good to go through an agency. So far they have been very responsive and helpful. When moving into a fully furnished place we had many items missing (especially in the kitchen) They said we can replace the items and send the receipt. They will take the amount out of out next months rent. I have been very happy so far by the way they have taken care of us.
@@WingingItWithAsh Spanish landlords could do what they wanted to end a tenancy like shut your water off until around 20 years ago when the EU told Spain they needed to sort it. It then went the other way and most things are in favour of the tenant now!
Sure you know this Ash but the main thing to be aware of in Spain is bills attach to property and not a person.
Great video for anyone who is about to rent an apartment to watch. Not just for Barcelona but most of what you went over would apply anywhere.
One suggestion is to videotape the apartment or as soon as possible. When you leave they can't say this or that is not in the condition that you found it.
But I'm so happy that you finally got a place that you like 😊
Sox Rox! I will be filming it soon. But to ease your concern I have taken photos of everything and have sent it to the rental company along with keeping it myself. :) Its good advice for anyone renting a a space. -Ash
Beautiful white teeth, beautiful hair, beautiful nails.
Haha Thanks!! So kind. :)
I hear its very difficult to find a rental in Barcelona. Again a very insightful video.
Its been a process but nothing I cant handle. lol A bit of elbow grease and time. :)
What a nightmare!! So impressed that you have managed to navigate your way through and have now found yourself a good place to stay. I know that Barcelona is one of the more difficult places to find affordable accommodation because of its popularity but wow!!
It was less of a nightmare and more a learning experience. I am so glad I had the time that was necessary to dedicate to going to the agencies and talking to people. It all worked out and was not as difficult as it is for some. -Ash
If i just make it to barcelona.. All that i want is to have a sweet kind polite mate like you darling ❤
It's does indeed go fast, but renting an apartment without seeing it is not a thing (and you should never do that, ever). Do not be fooled, foreigners are often targeted like this. Essentially the second the advertisement goes live on Idealista you need to call (not email, they won't respond) to make a viewing appointment. What they do is as soon as they have X amount of viewings lined up, they remove the listing because it's almost guaranteed that one of those X amount of viewings will result in a new tenant. It's a tough process, you need to be on top of it and be extremely proactive.
What you said about presenting yourself is 100% true btw! 🙏
Honest question, I am not being mean or bitchy in any way: Why would you put yourself through all of that chaos, time, money, paperwork, etc., when you could rent through Airbnb or VRBO or a similar service? I am genuinely curious. It sounds like a nightmare and something I'd avoid at any length. What is the benefit of putting yourself through this process?
Tammy, I understand where you're coming from and in some countries or cities that may be an option but for a six month airbnb for what I was looking for in Barcelona its WAY out of my budget. Because this is the second most traveled to city in Europe airbnbs are booked up quickly and expensive because they CAN! I am now paying $600 a month for a room in a 3 bedroom apartment in the middle of the city. Its worth the hustle at first. The other good thing is I can extended my contract with my apartment. So I have the option of after 6 months not having to pack up and move my things again. Airbnb would have the dates posted of when I move out and at anytime some one else could book it up. :) I hope that helps with understanding the benefits. -Ash
@@WingingItWithAsh Thank you SO much for answering me! Now I have a better understanding as to "why". Love your vids from Spain--been a fan for many years, Used to watch WayAway. Once again, thank you.
Thats very useful info for any one coming to study or work , nice you have a Flat mate to join you 🥰
Looking forward to seeing your Flat tour hope its in an area you like .
That you have now settled in ok 🙏
Are there just as much stairs to climb as your first apartment 🤔🤦♀️😂 that was awful
I know you can’t be fussy ,with all the housing problems ,& and indeed trusting what you see on films or photos ,🙏 that it is indeed that building ,not land up in a horrible un- attended one that needs alot of work🤦♀️
You read about the scammers specifically with students starting a new uni etc. And with the housing market going crazy .
Its alot understand fully the stress it has caused you both , trust is a huge issue specifically when it involves money & all the taxes that need to be payed up front .
So Happy for you both finding some where , Hows your Spanish course going ? You heard anything more about your
Permit to stay & being a student ?
Have a Good week 🥰
Hey Gwyneth, I am so grateful to have such a great roommate. Its a HUGE blessing that it worked out the way it did. When I moved here I didn't know if I would make friends and thankfully I got a friend and future roommate day one in Spanish class! Its amazing and an answer to prayer. As far as stairs there are WAY less lol Now I can come and go as I please...before I would question everywhere cuz of the mountain of stairs I'd have to climb when I got back haha.
Spanish is slow but good. I am still very much enjoying learning and hope to extend. i have a LONG way to go.
-Ash
❤
That agency fee sucks, I feel like it shouldn't be that high as here (Australia) the agent makes money by getting a percentage of the rent from the landlord.
Oh interesting. The fee does suck. It seems if they are not showing the homes, all they need to do is post it online and have the contracts signed. Its a large fee for paperwork it seems because the process does not include as much time as it did in the past.
When you walked in and spoke to agents did they speak English or did you have to try to get by in Spanish? Because I imagine that would be quite hard
Hi JJ luckily most of the agents I spoke with spoke English. I think this is very specific to Barcelona. I imagine in other places in Spain the language barrier would be much more difficult. -Ash
So insane!
What documents they ask to an US citizen without any Spanish documents?
Watching from Guwahati city in India
Thank you for watching!!
I think Ash has become my new crush...
haha I'll take the compliment. :)
🤭
................341
ashley you are my love..i have not given up on loving you and my dream of marrying you in the future..❤️💍🙏
I am suffering thru watching multiple 5+ minute long commercials in your videos. I hope you are getting well paid for it……
Dont be nasty. If you dont like it, dont watch it
more like 8 seconds.
@@gasman6163 No really, theres a lot of 4, 5, even 10 minute long infomercials being stuffed into most videos I watch. Pretend multi millionaires selling their secret skills in a course package to gullible fools. Get rich quick scams. I usual click away at 5 seconds, but to help Ash, I let them run to completion. More ad minutes than the actual Ash’s video.
I don’t know why UA-cam expects anyone to watch the 5-10 minute ads, I draw the line at 30 seconds unless I’m going to make a cup of tea 😆
During commercial I will go to Bathroom or get some snack from kitchen I let the commercials play to help out Ashley
Try renting in the Netherlands lol it’s almost impossible