I’m currently applying for a D7 visa, and one of the requirements is to have a 12-month lease already in place when you apply. I’m doing my apartment hunting entirely online, and I am worried that I’ll sign a lease. If I do not like it, I’ll be stuck for a year, or I will have to pay a hefty fee.
Additionally, after getting settled, I plan to bring my two cats over after getting settled. Many great apartments I’ve seen on Idealista, spotahome, etc, do not accept pets. Is there room to negotiate a pet to work around that rule?
At this point, I need an apartment because my consulate appointment is not too far off and I want to be sure I have something in time. Thank you for any advice.
We completely understand your concern, and it’s very common.
You can negotiate the pet’s presence, but you must contact the advertiser to ensure this will be present in your lease. Also, don’t hinder yourself from a 12-month lease. Make sure your lease includes a notice period of 1, 2, or 3 months for you to vacate the apartment before the full term of the contract (this is a common practice here; if someone refuses, that’s not a positive sign). If you don’t like it, you won’t have to stay for the entire 12 months.
If you’re feeling insecure, consider using other tools such as Spotahome and Uniplaces, which offer a variety of filters and a simpler rental process. Usually these houses are verified, and you see what you buy for real.