Outrage after woman asked to pay €650 just to view an apartment in the Canary Islands
The property market in the Canary Islands continues to cause controversy, leading to increasingly questionable, and in some cases illegal, practices. One woman has reported that she was asked to pay €650 simply to view an apartment, a situation she described as shocking and abusive.
According to a report by Televisión Canaria, the woman enquired about a rental property and was told she would have to pay €650 plus IGIC for the viewing.
Although the estate agency involved has denied the accusation, she has provided written documentation showing both the amount and the stated purpose of the charge.
Illegal to Charge Tenants for Viewings
In Spain, it is illegal for agencies to charge prospective tenants for property viewings. Since the Ley de Vivienda came into force in May 2023, all estate agency fees and contract-processing costs must be paid by the landlord, not the tenant.
This rule covers any attempt to rebrand these charges as “viewing fees”, “reservation costs”, “contract fees”, or “management expenses”.
What Agencies Cannot Charge Tenants
- Money for viewing a flat
- “Visit” or “information” fees
- Estate agency management fees
- Contract processing costs
- Payments to “hold” a property before signing
What They Can Legally Request
- One month’s legal deposit
- Up to two additional months as guarantees (if required by the landlord)
- The first month’s rent upon signing the contract
Authorities warn tenants to be cautious, as some agencies attempt to charge a “reservation fee” before a viewing or before signing, a practice that is also illegal in standard residential rentals.
What to Do if This Happens to You
- Request an invoice specifying the exact concept of the charge
- File a complaint with the regional consumer office
- Report the case to your local council or Cabildo
- Keep all messages, adverts, and payment records as evidence
The case highlights the escalating tension in the Canary Islands’ rental market, where soaring demand and limited supply are driving both prices and unethical practices to new extremes.
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