r/AskBarcelona

Today, a chunk of my bedroom ceiling came down while I was sitting directly underneath it.

The only reason it didn’t hit me is that it clipped the ceiling fan on the way down and got knocked off course.

For context, I’m renting a long-term apartment in central Barcelona through Aproperties Real Estate.

When I first visited the apartment, it clearly needed some work. The agency told me they would repaint it and take care of some minor renovations, including flooring and electrical work, before I moved in.

Most of that was done, but the bedroom was left unfinished. When I picked up the keys, I asked the landlord and agency why. They said the remaining damage had to be handled through insurance first and promised it would be fixed within 7 days.

That was months ago. There have been several insurance visits since, but no proper repair — and now part of the ceiling has fallen down.

I’ve contacted both the landlord and agency again, but this has also made me think more broadly about housing quality in Barcelona.

I’m considering buying a apartment here within the next year, and I’m surprised by how often I see cracks, damp, old wiring/plumbing, poor maintenance, or cosmetic renovations that seem to hide bigger issues.

So I’m curious:

• Is this level of deferred maintenance common in Barcelona?
• Is the main issue poor maintenance, weak enforcement, landlords delaying repairs, comunidades de propietarios, insurance delays, or something else?
• Renters: what actually got your landlord or agency to act on serious issues?
• Buyers/owners: do you hire an independent arquitecto técnico / aparejador before buying?
• Has an inspection ever uncovered something major that wasn’t obvious during a viewing?
• What red flags would make you walk away from a flat immediately?

Also, any recommendations for good tenant associations, housing lawyers, surveyors, or consumer protection services in Barcelona would be appreciated.

Would really like to hear different perspectives from renters, owners, recent buyers, architects, agents, or anyone who has dealt with something similar.

Hi All, I'm in a situation I'm not sure what to do in, my apartment lease is for 5 years, I have 3.5 years left on it but there's a clause I'll pay a month for every year missed. In this case I'll pay 3.5 months of rent just for getting out of the lease. Is this enforceable/is there anything I can do to not pay this? ​

Edit: Thanks to everyone in the comments, I reviewed my contract more carefully and it's a 1 year duration automatically renewed up to 5 years. The penalty only applies if I leave within the first 6 months of the contract but I'll be confirming with a lawyer anyway. God/zeus/whatever bless you. ​

Lived in an apartment in Barcelona for 3 years, just moved out. Deposit was €2,400.

I approved in good faith the deductions for outstanding water/electricity bills, a cleaning fee, and a couple of small repairs (broken bathroom light, toilet seat) — all reasonable, all backed by invoices, no issue there.

The problem is the paint. Landlord claims there were dirty stains on the lower parts of some walls, blames it on my dog, and instead of just touching up those specific spots, had the entire apartment repainted for €1,150 and wants me to cover this cost from my deposit.

I had a professional cleaning service coming every week for the full 3 years, for what it’s worth.

I’ve pushed back in writing, citing normal wear and tear over a 3-year tenancy, and he’s now saying he’ll bring in his lawyer and property manager if I don’t accept his terms.

He has also kept my deposit hostage for close to 60 days now, and from what I have read he should have legally returned it within 30 days of signing the end of the tenancy.

Has anyone dealt with something similar? Is a full repaint after 3 years of tenancy something a landlord can reasonably pin on a tenant, or is this squarely “normal wear and tear” territory?

I would appreciate any tips or support on the matter. Thanks!

Hola a todos, les pido una información rápida respecto a las cabinas fotográficas, soy italiano y estoy de vacaciones en Valencia, me han robado los documentos y mañana tendré que ir al consulado de Barcelona, en Italia está lleno de fotomatones pero aquí en Valencia no he encontrado ninguno, ¿me podrían decir si hay alguno entre la estación de Sants en Barcelona y el Consulado General? Muchas gracias a todas las personas que me responderán:)

So a friend of mine is in Barcelona, and is looking for support after she left her abusive family. Is there any kind of support she can expect for herself in terms of housing and other stuff. What can she do. She is safe at the moment, but is looking for cheaper accommodation.

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Hi everyone,

I currently live and work in Kraków, Poland, earning around €2,000 net per month.

With that salary I live reasonably comfortably and, in a normal month where I don't spend too much, I can save around €600 per month.

My company has now offered me a 6-month temporary assignment in Barcelona. It's within the same company.
The problem is that, at least initially, they mentioned keeping my same Polish salary.

They would pay for an apartment in Barcelona, and I understand there would also be some kind of daily allowance, although I still don't know how much.

I already told them that I wouldn't be interested in moving to Barcelona for six months if I end up financially worse off. From what I've seen, the general cost of living in Barcelona is noticeably higher than Kraków. (20%)

There's also one important detail: even if my Barcelona apartment is paid by the company, I still have to keep paying for my apartment in Kraków during those six months, so that expense doesn't disappear.
I pay 600€ monthly for that, so this has to be taken into consideration. I can't stop paying my apartment in Krakow.

Considering that I currently earn €2,000 net and save roughly €600/month in Kraków, what would you realistically ask the company for to make a 6-month assignment like this financially worthwhile?

Thanks,

What the title says. I can’t keep relying on my MasterCard that pays in foreign currency, and I need a bank account soon so my company know where to send my money! But I don’t know the bank companies of Spain and what offers they have. Like, what’s the “Chase” (American Bank) or “E-Sun” (Taiwanese Bank) of Spain? Also, what’s the procedures for opening an account? What if all I have is my passport, visa (Researcher visa), and a NIE number? Should I provide proof of my employment to get a credit card?

has anyone checked a bag on a United airlines flight from BCN to the US (and back)? how was it? i’m following the updates of the strike but curious to hear actual experiences. i’m preparing to visit my family for a few weeks and will likely need to check a bag.

Hi I’m flying in with Air Transat on August 25th and will be checking in a bag, does anyone have an update about the situation? What should I do?

Hey y’all! I’m looking for the FC Barcelona 25/26 home jersey in a size M.

I’ve been looking around Madrid and Seville, but everywhere I’ve found so far only has L and above 😭. I’m staying quite close to La Rambla, so does anyone know anywhere in Barcelona that might still have the 25/26 jersey in M?

I’m specifically looking for an original/official Nike one, not a 1st or 2nd copy. Since it’s last season’s kit, I’m hoping to find one around €50–60 rather than paying full retail.

Any recommendations would be massively appreciated! 🙏

I will be in Barcelona on the 31st of August, can anyone recommend a family friendly place where to watch the game? Thank you

I'm in Barcelona 27-30 Aug, staying near Sant Antoni Maria Claret. Everything I read says neighbourhood places shut for August but the touristy centre stays open. Is that still true for the last week or are people back by then?

Specifically wondering about Kasa Hanaka at Plaça de Salvador Riera, and anything decent around Guinardó / Sagrada Família that isn't aimed at tourists. Sunday is my last day and I know menú del día doesn't run then, so open on Sunday is a bonus.

Gracias!

I’m a student incoming to Barcelona this September and I need a place to stay til February included. Many short term rentals have hidden agency costs, is it legal for them to ask me such expense? For example 1 month+21%vat
Also where can I find some good Facebook groups in which I could avoid paying agency fees?
Thank you in advance

Truly, I would love to know what are the other pet peeves with tourists among the locals! Apart from the obvious crowding, picture taking? I am here for a few days and want to be non annoying.

For me, Barcelona feels like one of the most friendly and welcoming cities in the world. I've had so many lovely conversations with people in local places, yet I still never get to chat with my neighbors :<

I'm just curious to know:

1. Do you talk to your neighbors? Do you want to befriend them?
2. Has anyone ever thought of inviting your neighbors over for lunch/dinner, getting to know them?
3. And if someone is from the older generations, was it more common before here in Barcelona?

Thanks a lot!

I recently visited Montjuic and saw dozens of dead birds. They appeared to be doves. It was sad and I wondered if anyone knows what the cause is. Gracias.

I have a friend who s renting an apartment from the person who rented it out (subletting) and he wants his partner to come and stay with him for like 3 weeks and not tell anyone (so the person who is staying the apartment wants their partner to cone stay there). The person who is subletting doesn’t live there. Most of the people in the apartment building are old there s only 5 families there and he s concerned they ll notice new people and report it or something and is freaking out. I know it’s a long time but my friend’s gf has nowhere to stay and he’s paying the money after all. The way I m thinking is if they don t cause any trouble and aren’t loud why would anyone care to report it.

hi, hope this is okay to post here! I have tickets for a concert in Palau Sant Jordi in a few weeks, the time on the ticket is listed as 21:15, is this the time the opener is expected on stage? Or is it door time? I’ve never been to a concert in Barcelona before and I don’t want to miss the start of the gig!