How do rental contracts and deposits work in Andorra in 2026?

Use a clear written arrendament. Guides citing the consolidated lease law say the contract must state financial terms, the exact address and parish, built area, and the building year, among other details. The landlord needs a certificat d’habitabilitat before letting the flat as a home and must give you a copy. Without that certificate, treat the offer as incomplete for Immigració housing proof.

If the flat is your habitual and permanent residence (more than 183 days in a calendar year), the term is generally at least five years. Shorter writing can still be read as five years when that helps the tenant. An exception lets the landlord recover the home after at least two years for their own use or for close family, with notice rules and ministry follow-up if that clause is used. After the initial term, tacit yearly extension is the usual path unless a party gives proper notice; confirm the live notice months in your signed text, including later Llei 11/2026 changes that lengthen some notice periods from 2027.

Article 14 of the urban leases framework caps the fiança at two months’ rent for habitual residence contracts. A bank aval or other agreed guarantee can replace cash. The landlord (or intermediary) holds the deposit and must return it when keys come back, unless documented damage or unpaid obligations justify a deduction. The landlord keeps any interest on the deposit. Claims to recover a withheld deposit prescribe in three years from contract end.

Rent is paid as agreed, otherwise monthly within the first five days. The landlord cannot demand more than one month in advance. Individually metered utilities sit on the tenant. Many agencies still quote about one month’s rent plus IGI as tenant-paid commission in practice; put that cash beside the deposit on your sheet: Monthly budget. Early exit often needs one month’s notice; missing notice can cost one month’s rent per remaining contract year under common guidance, so read the exit clause before you celebrate a soft Escaldes “saving.”

Use the signed lease for Comú census and Immigració files: Register your address and Apply for a residence permit. Parish choice still decides the ask: Living in Andorra la Vella and Living in Escaldes-Engordany.