Rents are high, especially for a summer let. However many property owners will let their properties out in winter at a discount if you want more than a few weeks. It is worth asking.

Long term lets are cheaper and run for a minimum of 1 year, however this gives you the right to renew for 5 years. The renewal sometimes makes landlords wary of long term rents. One ploy is to have 11 month rents - but be aware that your rights as tenant are greatly reduced. When the long term contract is renewed, the landlord is only allowed to increase the rent by the rate of inflation (specific for the type of property and the region), although many foreign landlords appear to be unaware of this. In fact if you want to rent a property long term it is worth finding a Spanish landlord (or at least a landlord who has fully immersed himself in Spain's culture). You will generally get a cheaper rent and a better deal all round, but obviously it helps a great deal if you can speak reasonable Spanish.

You will be asked for a month's rent as deposit and if you rent through an agent then you will have to pay their fees (usually another month's rent). With rental properties in high demand on the Costa Blanca (by Spaniards as well as foreigners) you may find up to three months rental being asked for.

If you rent a house at the top end of the market, you may be asked for a bank guarantee (aval). This provides assurance for the landlord in case you decide to a) up and leave before the contract is up or b) stop paying rent and effectively squat in the house. In order to obtain a bank guarantee you have to place an amount of money (usually a year's rent) in a bank account and then ask the bank to draw up the documents and get them signed in front of a Notary Public. You will then not be allowed to touch the money until the landlord releases the guarantee, although you will still be earning interest (minus the bank's fees).