Madrid

👥

Shared Housing

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Shared Housing in Madrid, Spain

Shared housing is a popular and practical option for students, young professionals, and expats moving to Madrid. It offers an affordable way to live in the city while also providing opportunities to meet new people and integrate into the local culture. Below is a detailed guide covering all aspects of shared housing in Madrid.

1. Types of Shared Housing Available

In Madrid, shared housing typically falls into the following categories:

  • Shared Apartments (Pisos Compartidos):

    • The most common type of shared housing.
    • You rent a private bedroom in an apartment shared with other tenants. Common areas like the kitchen, living room, and bathroom(s) are shared.
    • Rooms may be single or double occupancy.

  • Co-Living Spaces:

    • A modern, community-focused housing option.
    • Fully furnished apartments with private rooms and shared amenities like coworking spaces, gyms, and social areas.
    • Often includes utilities, cleaning services, and events in the rent.

  • Student Residences:

    • Designed for university students, these are dormitory-style accommodations with shared or private rooms.
    • Often include meal plans, study areas, and social activities.

  • Host Families:

    • Renting a room in a local family’s home. This is less common but offers a cultural immersion experience.

2. Average Costs

The cost of shared housing in Madrid varies depending on the neighborhood, type of housing, and amenities. Below are approximate monthly costs:

  • Shared Apartments:

    • Single room: €350–€600
    • Double room (shared with another person): €250–€400 per person

  • Co-Living Spaces:

    • Private room: €700–€1,200 (includes utilities and services)

  • Student Residences:

    • Shared room: €400–€700
    • Private room: €600–€1,000

  • Host Families:

    • €500–€800 (often includes meals and utilities)

Additional Costs:

  • Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet): €40–€80 per month (if not included in rent).
  • Security deposit: Typically one or two months’ rent.

3. How to Find Shared Housing

Madrid has a variety of platforms and resources to help you find shared housing. Here are the most commonly used options:

Online Platforms:

  • Idealista (www.idealista.com): The most popular platform for finding rooms and apartments in Spain.
  • Fotocasa (www.fotocasa.es): Another widely used site for housing listings.
  • Badi (www.badi.com): A platform specifically for finding roommates and shared housing.
  • Spotahome (www.spotahome.com): Offers virtual tours and verified listings.
  • Roomgo (www.roomgo.es): Focuses on shared housing and roommate matching.

Social Media and Forums:

  • Facebook groups like "Roommates in Madrid" or "Pisos Compartidos Madrid."
  • Expat forums such as InterNations or Reddit’s r/Madrid.

University and Language Schools:

  • Many universities and language schools have housing boards or partnerships with landlords.

Real Estate Agencies:

  • Some agencies specialize in shared housing, though they may charge a fee (usually one month’s rent).

4. The Rental Process

The process of renting a shared room in Madrid typically involves the following steps:

  1. Search and Contact:

    • Browse listings on platforms or social media.
    • Contact landlords or current tenants to arrange a viewing.

  2. Viewing:

    • Visit the property in person or request a virtual tour.
    • Ask about the room, shared spaces, utilities, and house rules.

  3. Agreement:

    • If you decide to rent, you’ll need to sign a rental agreement (contrato de arrendamiento).
    • Ensure the agreement specifies the rent, deposit, duration, and any additional costs.

  4. Payment:

    • Pay the first month’s rent and the security deposit (fianza), which is usually one or two months’ rent.
    • Keep receipts for all payments.

  5. Registration (Empadronamiento):

    • Once you move in, you may need to register your address with the local city hall (Ayuntamiento) for legal and administrative purposes.

5. Legal Considerations

  • Rental Agreement: Always sign a written contract. Avoid verbal agreements.
  • Deposit (Fianza): By law, landlords must deposit the security deposit with the Comunidad de Madrid. It should be returned at the end of the lease if there’s no damage.
  • Subletting: Ensure the person renting the room has the legal right to sublet it.
  • Utilities: Clarify whether utilities are included in the rent or split among tenants.
  • Tenant Rights: Familiarize yourself with Spanish rental laws (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos) to understand your rights and obligations.

6. Cultural Norms

  • Shared Spaces: Cleanliness and respect for shared spaces are highly valued. Many households establish cleaning schedules.
  • Noise Levels: Spaniards are social, but quiet hours (especially after 10 PM) are generally respected in shared housing.
  • Socializing: It’s common to share meals or socialize with roommates, but always respect personal boundaries.
  • Smoking: Smoking indoors is less common, so check the house rules.
  • Guests: Some landlords or roommates may have rules about overnight guests.

7. Neighborhood Recommendations

Madrid is a large city with diverse neighborhoods. Here are some recommendations based on affordability and convenience:

  • Affordable Neighborhoods:

    • Vallecas: A working-class area with lower rents and good public transport connections.
    • Carabanchel: Affordable and residential, with a growing expat community.
    • Usera: Known for its multicultural vibe and budget-friendly housing.

  • Convenient and Central Neighborhoods:

    • Malasaña: Trendy and vibrant, popular with students and young professionals.
    • Lavapiés: Multicultural and artsy, with a mix of affordable and mid-range options.
    • Argüelles/Moncloa: Close to universities, ideal for students.

  • Upscale Neighborhoods (Higher Costs):

    • Salamanca: Elegant and safe, but more expensive.
    • Chamberí: Quiet and family-friendly, with mid-to-high range prices.

8. Tips for Living in Shared Housing

  • Communication: Establish clear communication with your roommates about cleaning, bills, and shared responsibilities.
  • House Rules: Discuss and agree on house rules early to avoid conflicts.
  • Be Open-Minded: Madrid attracts people from all over the world, so be prepared to live with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Learn Basic Spanish: While many people speak English, knowing some Spanish will help you communicate with landlords and roommates.
  • Inspect the Room: Before moving in, check for any damages and document them to avoid losing your deposit later.

9. Final Advice

  • Start your search early, especially if you’re moving in September or January, as these are peak times for students and expats.
  • Be cautious of scams. Avoid listings that seem too good to be true or landlords who ask for payment before a viewing.
  • Take your time to find a place that suits your budget, lifestyle, and commute needs.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to find and thrive in shared housing in Madrid. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)