Canary Islands: Tenant Disclosures, EPC & Info
The regulatory shields and documentary requirements demanded by the Government and the state Housing Law before launching your rental apartment to the market...
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Before advertising a residential rental property in the Canary Islands, landlords must comply with specific documentary and disclosure requirements mandated by both state and regional authorities. Governed primarily by the Spanish Urban Leases Act (LAU), effective 1 January 1995, along with recent updates from Law 12/2023 on the Right to Housing and Royal Decree 390/2021, landlords are legally obligated to provide clear, upfront information to prospective tenants to ensure market transparency and consumer protection.
1. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Under Royal Decree 390/2021, every property owner in the Canary Islands must obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before offering a property for rent. This certificate must be registered with the regional Registry of the Canary Islands.
- Every real estate advertisement or web listing must display the energy efficiency rating label (ranging from A to G).
- Listing a property with the excuse that the EPC is "in process" is not legally compliant and can result in significant fines from consumer protection entities, ranging from €300 to €6,000.
- A reliable copy of the certificate and its official registry document must be annexed to the lease agreement and delivered to the tenant upon handing over the keys.
2. Prior Information on Rent and Property Conditions
In accordance with Law 12/2023 on the Right to Housing, landlords must expose clear and transparent property and lease information to any formal candidate during the preliminary visit to the rental property:
- Rent Breakdown: Clearly clarifying to the prospect how much of the monthly payment constitutes the base rent versus any community of owners fees or other imputable expenses.
- Property Title: A declaration of the landlord's title (e.g., full owner or legal usufructuary).
- Cadastral Reference: Exhibition of the official cadastral document or reference number of the residential property.
3. Prohibition of Agency Fees for Residential Tenants
Law 12/2023 introduced a strict prohibition against charging real estate agency fees to residential tenants.
For leases intended as a habitual, fixed residence, the tenant does not pay any pre-commission, intermediary fees, or VAT to the real estate agency or API.
The landlord or property investor who utilizes real estate agency services to lease their property is legally obligated to absorb all real estate commission costs. Only commercial (B2B) leases or strictly temporary/seasonal leases (contratos de temporada) remain exempt from this rule, allowing agency fees to be negotiated differently in those non-habitual contexts.
Return to the Canary Islands Residential Overview.
Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What disclosures must landlords provide in Canary Islands?
Landlords in Canary Islands must disclose relevant property information to prospective tenants before the lease is signed. Required disclosures may include known defects, environmental hazards, previous damage, and any conditions affecting the tenant's use of the property, in compliance with both regional and national law.
▶What are the key landlord-tenant laws in Canary Islands?
Understanding the nuances of property management in "canary-islands" is crucial for maintaining compliance under both national Spanish laws and regional decrees. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the eviction process for landlords in Canary Islands?
The eviction process in Canary Islands requires landlords to follow formal legal procedures established by both regional and national law. Valid grounds typically include non-payment of rent, lease violations, or the landlord's personal use of the property. Landlords must provide proper written notice, allow any required cure periods, and may need to obtain a court or tribunal order.
Read the complete guide▶What are the rent increase rules in Canary Islands?
Canary Islands has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent, which may include caps on the percentage of increase, minimum notice periods, and restrictions on frequency. These rules may differ from national standards, so landlords must check regional regulations.
Read the complete guide▶What are the security deposit rules in Canary Islands?
Security deposit rules in Canary Islands govern how much landlords can charge, how deposits must be held or protected, and the timeline for returning deposits after a tenancy ends. Landlords must provide itemized statements of any deductions and comply with all regional and national statutory deadlines.
Read the complete guide▶What are the mandatory lease requirements in Canary Islands?
Lease agreements for rental properties in Canary Islands must comply with both regional and Spain national law. Required elements typically include the names of both parties, property description, rent amount and payment terms, deposit details, lease duration, and maintenance responsibility allocation.
Read the complete guide▶What are landlord maintenance obligations in Canary Islands?
Landlords in Canary Islands are required to maintain rental properties in a habitable condition, ensuring the structure, plumbing, electrical systems, and essential services are in proper working order. Regional laws in Canary Islands may impose additional requirements beyond the national standard.
Read the complete guide▶What are the late fee rules in Canary Islands?
Canary Islands has specific rules regarding late fees and penalties for overdue rent. These may include mandatory grace periods, caps on fee amounts, and restrictions on interest charges. Check both regional and Spain national regulations for the applicable rules.
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