Renting in Sevilla without scams
Since 2026 Andalucía no longer holds rental deposits at a public body — you need to know what that changes before you sign.
What you should know about renting in Sevilla
Sevilla combines Andalucía's tourism pressure with a housing market that's tightened noticeably in the last two years.
The important structural change: Andalucía has phased out the mandatory public deposit-registration body that other regions still use. Your fianza sits with the landlord — which makes documenting it correctly at signing much more important.
Deposit rules
Nationally, the legal fianza is 1 month's rent for residential leases, with up to 2 additional months allowed as separate guarantees — a maximum of 3 months upfront.
Sevilla: In Andalucía, deposit registration with a public body is no longer required. The deposit sits with the landlord, which makes a signed receipt, an itemised inventory and a clear return clause essential.
National patterns (apply everywhere in Spain)
These signals show up in every Spanish city. Check these first, then the city-specific ones below.
Phantom listings with stolen photos
Attractive photos (often lifted from real ads), a price noticeably below market, and an "owner abroad" story that conveniently prevents an in-person viewing.
Pay-before-viewing pressure
Any request for a deposit, reservation fee or first month before you've seen the flat in person is a stop-sign — regardless of city or how convincing the story is.
Fake tenant fraud (landlord-side)
Someone poses as a solvent tenant with forged payslips or ID, moves in and stops paying. If you're the landlord, verify identity and income independently before signing.
Specific to Sevilla
Legal-protection gap, not a distinct scam
We haven't found a distinct, verified Sevilla-only scam pattern beyond the national ones above. What's different in Sevilla is structural: since January 2026, deposits are no longer held by a public body (AVRA), so if a dispute arises there's less institutional protection. Treat the items below as contract-hygiene risks that this gap makes much more damaging.
No signed receipt for the deposit
Because AVRA no longer registers deposits publicly, a signed, dated receipt (with amount and bank reference) is your only proof. Don't hand over money without it.
Vague return-of-deposit clause
"Returned once the flat is checked" with no deadline is a red flag — and without a public deposit holder to arbitrate, it matters more here than elsewhere. Spanish law gives the landlord one month after handover; the clause should say so.
Stressed-zone status
Not declared. Andalucía has not activated the stressed-market mechanism. In practice: no rent cap on new leases.
How the check works
Paste
Paste the listing and your draft contract.
Pay €9
One-off secure payment. No subscription.
Get your report
A plain report with a risk score and red flags.
Where to report problems and get help
- OMIC Sevilla — Oficina Municipal de Información al Consumidor
- Junta de Andalucía — Vivienda
Other cities
Looking in Barcelona? See our Barcelona guide · Looking in Madrid? See our Madrid guide · Looking in Valencia? See our Valencia guide · Looking in Zaragoza? See our Zaragoza guide
Check your rental contract in Sevilla
Plain report in 60 seconds. €9, no subscription.
Check your rental contract in Sevilla