Security Deposits in Aragon (WFIA Platform)

Properly handling a tenant's security deposit (known as the fianza) is critical in Spain. In the Autonomous Community of Aragon, this process requires strict compliance with regional bureaucratic tools, notably the newly introduced WFIA platform.

Mandatory Amounts and Limits

The national Urban Leases Act (LAU) governs the strict framework for residential deposits across all Spanish territories.

The Obligatory "Fianza"

For a primary residence (vivienda habitual), the mandatory cash security deposit is legally locked at exactly one month's rent. A landlord cannot arbitrarily decide to demand a higher amount and classify it legally as the "fianza".

Additional Guarantees

A landlord is well within their rights to request further financial protection against damage or default. However, Spanish law aggressively limits this: additional guarantees cannot exceed two months' rent. This means the absolute maximum a landlord can hold upon signing is three months' worth of rent (1 mandatory fianza + 2 additional guarantee months).

The Aragon Deposit Mandate (DGA) and WFIA

Unlike regions that have recently deregulated their custody, the Government of Aragon strictly mandates that the landlord hand over the official one-month fianza to the regional housing administration (DGA) for safeguarding during the tenancy.

The 2-Month Deadline

A landlord has exactly two months from the date the contract is signed to deposit the funds with the DGA. Failing to meet this deadline triggers severe administrative fines and surcharges against the property owner.

The New WFIA System (Late 2025)

In November 2025, the Government of Aragon launched WFIA (Web Fianzas Aragón), a completely modernized digital platform intended to eradicate the notoriously tedious paper and bank-teller processes of the past.

• Landlords must log into WFIA using their electronic certificate or Cl@ve.
• The 1-month fianza can now be paid instantly via bank card or direct account debit.
• Only the mandatory 1-month fianza goes into WFIA. If you collected "additional guarantees," you retain those in your private bank account.
• Note: Certain "seasonal" leases or rural properties may be exempt from the DGA deposit, but standard long-term residential housing is heavily scrutinized.

Refunding the Deposit

When the lease officially ends and keys are returned:

1. Withdrawing from WFIA: The landlord must log back into the WFIA system, prove the contract's termination, and request the return of the funds. The Aragon Treasury will transfer the money back to the landlord's account within a few days.
2. The 30-Day Tenant Window: The LAU grants the landlord exactly one month from the date the keys were handed over to return the deposit (minus any justified deductions) to the tenant.
3. Deductions: The landlord can legally deduct unpaid rent, accumulated utility bills, and the costs to repair damages that exceed normal wear and tear. If the balance is unjustifiably retained past the 30-day window, the tenant is entitled to claim the principal amount plus accrued "legal default interest."

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