The rental market on Mallorca
The rental market on Mallorca is dynamic and varies considerably by area. In popular locations such as Palma, Calvià or Llucmajor, flats go quickly and prices are higher. You should expect the following monthly rents:
- Palma centre: 1,100-1,800 EUR for 2-room flats
- Palma outskirts (Llucmajor, Marratxí): 800-1,300 EUR
- Coastal towns (Calvià, Andratx): 1,200-2,500 EUR
- Smaller towns (Manacor, Felanitx): 700-1,200 EUR
Sources: Idealista Rental Price Index Palma, Investropa Rents Palma 2026, Mallorca Magazin Rental Prices 2026. As of March 2026.
Demand is high year round, especially from March to September. Long-term rentals are cheaper than tourist rentals (alquileres vacacionales). If you rent a furnished flat (amueblada), all furniture and kitchen equipment are included. Unfurnished flats (sin amueblar) are generally cheaper.
Tip: Explore the neighbourhood
Visit the area at different times of day before you decide. That gives you a real feel for the district, the noise levels and the proximity to shops and public transport.
Popular portals and agents
The main online portals for finding a flat on Mallorca are:
Idealista
The largest Spanish property portal with the most listings. The filters are very precise and you can search specifically by location, price, size and features. The design is user-friendly and most landlords respond reliably.
Fotocasa
The second largest portal with good photos and descriptions. Many estate agents use this portal actively. Reviews of agents and landlords help with the selection.
Habitaclia
An older portal, but with many available properties, especially in smaller towns. Here you sometimes find cheaper listings from private landlords.
Infocasa
A regional portal focused on the Balearic Islands. Smaller than the others, but with a local focus.
Estate agents (Agencias Inmobiliarias)
Agents can be time-consuming because they charge a fee (usually one month's rent). However, they have exclusive access to many properties and can ease communication, especially when there are language barriers.
Watch out: Agent fees
Before engaging an agent, clarify who pays the commission. In some cases landlord and tenant split the costs. Ask about the exact terms before committing.
Step-by-step guide to renting
Step 1: Set your budget
Define your budget realistically. Rule of thumb: rent should not exceed 30% of your monthly net income. Don't forget to factor in running costs such as electricity, water, internet and possibly an agent.
Step 2: Start your search
Register on Idealista, Fotocasa and Habitaclia. Save your search criteria and activate alerts for new listings. New listings often appear in the morning, so check regularly or enable notifications.
Step 3: Arrange viewings
Contact several landlords and arrange viewings. Bring your NIE number, a copy of your passport and bank statements to demonstrate your ability to pay. The landlord will probably ask about references and your financial situation.
Tip: Viewing checklist
During the visit check the plumbing, electrical installation, heating, windows and door locks. Take photos of any damage or wear to avoid disputes when the deposit is returned.
Step 4: Check the tenancy agreement
The tenancy agreement (contrato de alquiler) should be in Spanish or have a certified translation. Have it checked by a lawyer, especially the notice periods, rent increase clauses and your rights as a tenant. This costs around 150-300 EUR but can save you potential problems.
Step 5: Pay the deposit and first month's rent
After agreeing terms, you normally pay the deposit (two months' rent) and the first month's rent. The landlord must deposit the funds in a separate bank account. Ask for the name of that bank and the account holder.
Step 6: Set up utilities
Before moving in you need to set up electricity, water and internet. Some flats are already registered, but you need to transfer the contracts to your name. This can take 1-2 weeks.
Costs when renting on Mallorca
The total cost of renting consists of several items:
Deposit (Depósito)
2 months' rent - this is the standard in Spain. The landlord holds this sum in a separate account and returns it to you at the end of the tenancy.
Agent fee (Comisión Inmobiliaria)
1 month's rent - if you use an agent. Sometimes this fee is paid by the landlord, sometimes by the tenant, or split between them.
First month's rent
1 month's rent - paid before you move in.
Running costs (Gastos Comunes)
Depending on the flat and area: 50-200 EUR per month for water, waste collection and communal costs (if apartment building).
Electricity (Electricidad)
50-120 EUR per month depending on season and consumption. Significantly higher in summer with air conditioning.
Water (Agua)
20-40 EUR per month as a rule.
Internet
30-50 EUR per month for a good tariff.
Example budget for a 2-room flat:
- Rent: 1,200 EUR
- Deposit: 2,400 EUR (one-off)
- Agent: 1,200 EUR (one-off, if needed)
- First month's rent: 1,200 EUR
- Running costs: 100 EUR/month
- Electricity: 70 EUR/month
- Water: 30 EUR/month
- Internet: 40 EUR/month
- Total monthly: approx. 1,440 EUR
- Start-up costs: approx. 5,800 EUR (including deposit, agent, first month's rent)
Tips and pitfalls
Tip: Translate the contract before signing
If the contract is only in Spanish and you are not fluent, have it translated. A local lawyer (abogado) can do this quickly and affordably.
Watch out: Cash in hand (Dinero Negro)
Some landlords want to be paid in cash without issuing a receipt. This is illegal and risky. Always demand an official receipt (recibo) and pay by bank transfer. This protects you legally.
Other important points:
- Get your NIE: without a NIE, almost no landlord will accept you. You need this number for all legal matters in Spain.
- Gather references: after your first year on Mallorca, your landlord will give you a reference (referencia) that is helpful with future landlords.
- Contents insurance: some landlords require contents insurance (seguro de contenidos). It is sensible for you too.
- Observe the notice period: notice must be given in writing and must respect the period (usually 30 days). Keep your termination letter on file.