Tips for Sharing a Flat in Barcelona

Barcelona is an excellent city to live in with lots of culture, arts, events, good food, nice people, and great music. Have you considered sharing a flat in Barcelona? This might be a good idea.

If you are planning to move and live in Barcelona, renting a room in a shared flat, there are a couple of things you should know.

The best tips for sharing a flat in Barcelona

Tip 1: Always visit the flat first

First of all, don’t rent your room before you are actually in the city and can visit the place. The idea of arriving with your room already waiting for you is great, but the truth is that some of the pictures featured in online listings aren’t always representative of the flat’s true nature.

Photo via Visualhunt

The ideal thing to do is either stay with someone you know the first couple of weeks, or stay at a hostel/hotel while you search. 

That way you can make an informed decision, having talked to the owner of the apartment face to face and having seen the place for yourself, instead of getting stuck with lousy accommodations for a year.

Looking for student accommodation?

Tip 2: Research availability through websites

The best way to look for a flat to share in Barcelona is by visiting the local room/flat renting websites. The most used ones in Barcelona are:

• Idealista
• Pisocompartido
• Easy Piso
• Fotocasa

There are also Facebook groups for people looking to rent a room in Barcelona.

Tip 3: Make communicating easy

It’s important that you have access to internet so you can check the websites often, and a Spanish phone number with which contact owners and be contacted.

Photo via Pixabay

A lot of owners can be reached via Whatsapp, which makes communication cheaper, if you have access to internet.

Related article: Why you should room share when in Barcelona

Tip 4: Check specifics in the description

When looking for a room, pay attention to the flat’s description. Does it have central heating? Does it have air conditioning? Are pets allowed?

Is your window exterior (you can see the street) or interior (the window points towards another compartment in the house or towards an inside wall of the building)?

Photo via Pixabay

Tip 5: Additional costs: yes/no

One thing you should always ask is “Los gastos estan incluidos?”, meaning “Are the expenses included?”. If they are not included, you will have to spend a certain amount every month to pay for electricity, water, gas, and internet.

Long term rentals in Barcelona

Tip 6: Are you renting with or without a contract?

Before deciding to rent, ask the owner if there is a contract. The majority of rooms in Barcelona are rented without a contract. This gives you the advantage of being able to change flats when you want to.

Photo via Pixabay

If there is a contract to be signed, you shouldn’t be charged for it. Some landlords try to take advantage of the fact that foreigners don’t know local law and make them pay absurd amounts for lawyer’s expenses.

Tip 7: Trust your instincts and observations

When you finally find your room, just use your good sense. Sit with your roommates to discuss the house’s rules, be polite and considerate, and everything will be fine.

Have you ever shared a flat with other people? Do you have other advice?
Share your findings in the comment section!