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Getting your rental deposit back: calling the landlord or agency

What Spanish law says about the fianza, what to say to an agency, and how to set a deadline politely but firmly.

What they will ask

  • Address of the flat and contract dates
  • Date you handed over the keys
  • Your bank account (IBAN) for the refund
  • Whether there were damages or unpaid bills

Have this ready

  • Rental contract with the deposit amount
  • Photos from the check-out
  • Your IBAN
  • Date keys were returned

Typical wait: Direct call; agencies 5–10 minutes

What to say

Llamo por la devolución de la fianza del piso en…
I'm calling about the return of the deposit for the flat at…
Entregué las llaves el día… y han pasado más de 30 días.
I returned the keys on… and more than 30 days have passed.
Si hay deducciones, necesito el detalle por escrito.
If there are deductions, I need the itemised breakdown in writing.

Step by step

  1. Call the agency and ask for “el departamento de alquileres” or the person named in the contract.
  2. State the address, the check-out date and the deposit amount.
  3. Spanish law (LAU art. 36) gives the landlord one month to return the fianza; after that, legal interest applies. Say so calmly if they stall.
  4. Ask for a transfer date and give your IBAN; if they claim deductions, ask for the itemised list and receipts by email.
  5. Write down the name of the person and the promised date. Follow up by email the same day.

Or let the assistant make this call

Describe the task, put your phone on speaker, and confirm details in chat.

Example task: Ask the agency Fincas X to return my €1,200 deposit for Calle Mayor 5, keys returned 1 October. Ask for a transfer date to my IBAN or an itemised list of deductions by email.

Updated 2026-11-10