Long Term Rentals in Spain Blog

Learning Spanish – False Friends

HomeCareontheWeb — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:50:03 +0000

False Friends – Amigos Falsos

If you rent long term on the Costa del Sol, learning Spanish can make your time here a lot more enjoyable. The Spanish people are very polite, and you find they are willing to help you much more if you make an effort to speak their language rather than just asking if they speak yours.

False friends are words in one language that are similar or identical to words in another, but whose meanings are different. Here are a few every day words that fall into this category. Hope this helps misunderstandings or indeed embarrassing moments!

Michelle Lewis is a Spanish Teacher, Translator and Interpreter. She can help with a wide range of issues in Spanish including; NIE, residency, registering at the medical centre, medical appointments, importation of cars, problems with the Town Hall, the gestor, the police, or Telefonica. Email michellejlewis@hotmail.com or call 680 155 254 for more information.

New Rules For Pet Passports

HomeCareontheWeb — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:25:54 +0000

Great news for pet owners, from January 1^st new regulations have been introduced for pet passports. Previously, owners have been required to wait six months for a rabies blood test certificate before their beloved pets to be returned to the UK, however the new regulations mean the animal can now be eligible to travel from just 21 days after vaccination.

Many people who rent long term on the Costa del Sol have dogs and cats so its excellent news that owners now have more freedom to easily bring them with them and take them back to the UK at will.

The animal will still be micro-chipped before receiving the EU combination vaccination and be provided with a tag to indicate your pet has been vaccinated. The new requirements for tapeworm treatment is yet to be confirmed but it is expected that dogs must be treated no less than 24hrs and no more than 120hrs before arriving in the UK. Hopefully this will reduce the amount of pets being abandoned as owners will be able to collect them more quickly.

Click here for more information about traveling from Spain to the UK with your pets

Looking after your Mediterranean garden in the winter

HomeCareontheWeb — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 09:25:59 +0000

One of the joys of renting long term on the Costa del Sol is looking after your Mediterranean garden. Making sure that it looks as good as possible at every season of the year means you can enjoy sitting on your terrace all year round, basking in the long hours of sunshine.

Because roses are so readily associated with an English country garden, it is sometimes not realised how well they can grow in a Mediterranean climate. They really are quite resilient and need much less water than you think.

Now would be a good time to plant roses in the south of Spain where the temperature does not fall below 10^oc, but be sure to choose a day when it is not too windy.

If you already have roses, the middle of winter is the time to transplant. Even in winter there can be hot days so you should water in after transplanting and then keep the soil moist. And, it is especially important to mulch around the rose to maintain moisture now and throughout the year and of course, mulching also helps to keep down the weeds.

Weeds germinate in winter/spring in a Mediterranean climate and so another task you should be thinking about is getting rid of weeds and as winter approaches, taking preventative action throughout the garden.

By mulching with wood chippings, say a layer of about 10cm, weeds can be controlled fairly effectively, moisture can be retained in the soil and the mulch will break down over time to enrich the soil. If pebbles are desired for aesthetic reasons it is best to apply over the mulch.

Sometimes gardening can be tricky to keep up with especially if you’re not always in the country, but its well worth the results and can add value to rentals. HomeCareOnTheWeb can put you in touch with recommended professional gardeners on the Costa del Sol who can provide a regular and affordable service, so you know everything is taken care of where ever you are.

Sending and Receiving Christmas mail on the Costa del Sol

HomeCareontheWeb — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:27:19 +0000

The Christmas season is fast approaching and the shops are already brimming with food and gifts for the merry occasion. Many of us have friends and family that we won’t be able to see this Christmas but would like to send a card or present to instead, however it’s no secret that the Spanish postal service is less than reliable…

People who live in more rural areas of Spain will know that they don’t have a postal address at all, let alone a postman to deliver the mail. So how can we send and receive Christmas presents and cards in Spain safely and in time for the big day? There are various companies who offer very reasonable rates for delivering and collecting parcels from all over world - Parcel2go.com is a great site and easy to use so you can send parcels just about anywhere.

Some expats decide to rent a PO BOX address while living in Spain so they have a secure place to receive their mail which is great although it can seem like you’re paying an arm and a leg if you don’t use it very often. If you would like a safe place to have your parcels and mail delivered to, HomeCareOnTheWeb can take care of it for you at our office until you come to collect it. Visit our website for more information about the handy services on the Costa del Sol provided by HomeCareOnTheWeb.

Changes to the Tenant Eviction Law

HomeCareontheWeb — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:20:46 +0000

On Monday 30^th October a change to the eviction law came into effect meaning from this date onwards, any landlord in Spain who has a tenant in arrears can now issue a notice period of ten days to settle any outstanding rent. Once a judicial order has been served and 10 days’ notice has been given to clear rent arrears, tenants can only avoid eviction by paying the amount in full within the 10 days. If tenants fail to clear the arrears in that time, the eviction can then proceed without the need to take the case to court like would have in the past. This makes evicting any non-paying tenants much quicker and landlords will have the property back in a maximum of two to three months.

The government sees the new legislation as offering greater protection to landlords, and a good way of enticing owners to rent out their empty properties allowing the government to gain more revenue in taxes. All in all this is great news for Spanish property owners who want to earn extra income from rentals.

HomeRentalOnTheWeb are specialists in managing long term rentals in Spain and highly experienced at taking care of properties on behalf of owners. We would be happy to provide advice on how to increase rental income and can manage the whole process from the contracts, deposit collection, reference sourcing, to dealing with any tenancy problems if they occur. If you are thinking about renting out your Spanish property, please contact our team by email or call 952 83 95 95

Costa del Sol Halloween Celebrations

HomeCareontheWeb — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:25:59 +0000

Traditional Halloween activities in the UK usually involve dressing up with the kids, carving pumpkins to make scary lanterns, and knocking at neighbours doors for trick or treats. If you rent long term on the Costa del Sol in a secure area, these traditions are likely to stay the same, and you will see lots of little witches and ghosts running around with their goody bags. However, if you want to do something different for Halloween this year, or you do not live in a suitable area for trick or treating, there are many fun events in the area for the family to attend instead. Here is a list of some good Halloween events we found on Marbellafamilyfun.com

Halloween Fair at Marbella Golf and Country Club

Galaxia Playcenter Halloween Party

Kidz Kingdom Halloween Party

Multisports Club Halloween Party

Halloween at Hard Rock Café

Megabowl Halloween Weekend

Halloween takes place on Monday this year, so be sure to check whether the events are taking place over the weekend or on Monday 31st October.

Featured Long Term Rental Property In Marbella

HomeCareontheWeb — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:46:57 +0000

As we edge closer to the end of the summer season here in Spain, many long term rental properties are becoming vacant for the winter. This means if you are looking for a long term rental home in Spain, now is a great time to start looking.

There are some excellent properties available around the Costa del Sol, and thousands enjoy living here, whether they are right along the coast or up in the mountains. There really is something for everyone.

The great Spanish roads and public transport make it easy to travel around the different areas of the Costa del Sol and the rest of Spain, so you can really explore some great places to live which you might not have previously considered.

Here is one of our featured properties we thought you may be interested in.

Three Bedroom Penthouse Apartment in Elviria, Marbella. From just €550 per month!

This three bedroom penthouse apartment, furnished in a modern style to the highest standard, consists of a spacious master bedroom, leading out onto the south-facing terrace, with large en-suite bathroom, with bath and walk-in shower. There are two further double bedrooms and a guest bathroom with walk-in shower. The spacious lounge/dining area also leads out onto the terrace. The modern kitchen is fully-equipped.

This stunning apartment is set on the Elviria hillside in one of the most exclusive areas on the Costa del Sol. Finished to a very high standard with marble floors, and air-conditioning (hot and cold) throughout, it is just 30 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from the famous towns of Marbella and Puerto Banus, with their exclusive restaurants and designer shops. In the opposite direction the popular destination of Fuengirola is only 20 minutes drive and offers a regulare train service to Malaga city, and the airport. The complex is very peaceful, and offers several swimming pools including a childs pool, and a tennis court. International and Spanish state schools are all within a kilometre of the apartment, as is a first class bar and restaurant.

How to Pull – In Spanish!

HomeCareontheWeb — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:00:03 +0000

Learning the language is essential if you rent long term in Spain or plan to. Its a great feeling to be able to communicate in another language, you can get a better feel for the culture and will impress your friends and family who don’t speak Spanish.

Meeting a new partner is very exciting wherever you are, but when they speak another language it can become a little scary and frustrating. So here are a few simple sentences to get you started on the dating scene from our resident Spanish teacher Michelle, good luck!

Hola, soy Rob, ¿y tú, cómo te llamas? – Hi, I’m Rob, and you, what’s your name?

¿Estás esperando a alguien? – Are you waiting for anyone?

¿Te importa si me siento aquí? – Do you mind if I sit here?

¿Vienes por aquí mucho? – Do you come here often?

¿Vives por aquí? – Do you live around here?

¿Tienes novio/a? – Have you got a boyfriend / girlfriend?

Me gustaría comprarte una bebida. – I´d like to buy you a drink.

Te gustaría salir conmigo un día pronto / ésta noche. – Would you like to come out with me one day soon / tonight?

¿Cúal es tu teléfono? – What’s your telephone number?

Me encantaría invitarte a cenar. – I´d love to invite you to dinner.

¿Vayamos al cine? – Shall we go to the cinema?

¿Te gustaría bailar? – Would you like to dance?

¿A qué hora nos encontramos? – What time shall we meet?

Te recojo a las ocho.- I’ll pick you up at 8.

¿Qué haces mañana por la noche? – What are you doing tomorrow night?

Tienes unos ojos hermosos. – You have beautiful eyes.

Me encanta tu sonrisa. – I love your smile.

Me encantas. – I’m taken with you.

Me gustas mucho. – I like you a lot.

¿Puedo verte mañana? – Can I see you tomorrow?

Lo he pasado muy bien. – I´ve had a great time.

¿Podemos repetirlo otro día? – Can we do it again another day?

Me encantaría, gracias. – I’d love to, thanks.

Looking after your health in Spain

HomeCareontheWeb — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:00:20 +0000

When relocating to Spain, most people think of all the benefits such as great weather and a better lifestyle, we don’t like to think about bad health when moving to the Costa del Sol. However, if you rent long term in Spain or are planning to, it’s important to know what’s what when it comes to healthcare.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Only valid if you are still a UK resident, this is not valid if you are staying in Spain long term, but its good to know about for when friends and family come over to visit. The EHIC allows you to get state provided healthcare in all EU countries, either for free or at a discounted rate. If your friends and family are coming over from the UK, its important they apply for an EHIC before they come just in case of accidents or illness. They are free of charge and are valid for 5 years. Although you may find not everything will be free like the NHS, you should receive the same treatment as a resident, and you will save a lot of money when carrying this card. Some doctor clinics will offer private and state healthcare, so make sure you clarify the type of treatment you need when arriving, and present your card to avoid a nasty bill. The EHIC is not to be used instead of private health insurance, and you should still obtain private travel insurance to cover anything the EHIC does not.

Doctors and Hospitals

It could cost up to 200 Euros just to be seen by a private doctor in some areas so be sure to check when finding a clinic that they provide state healthcare before turning up. In some parts of the country, you may have to travel some distance to find a state funded clinic so please be aware that doctors and hospitals may have separate surgery times for private patients, and those treated under the state system. You will need a doctors referral for any hospital treatment except for emergencies, and only public hospitals will offer treatment free of charge.

Prescriptions

Any medicines prescribed by a health practitioner can be obtained from any pharmacy (farmacia), and you will be charged up to 40% of the cost unless you are a UK or EEA pensioner, however you must to be able to prove that you are a state pensioner when collecting your medicine. If you are told by the hospital that you require medicines after you are discharged, you will need to take the medical report to a doctor who can then give you a prescription. This is because doctors in public hospitals will prescribe medicines on the report but do not issue official prescriptions.

Air Ambulance service

On the Costa del Sol, many people live in the mountains and other serene, beautiful places that can take a while to reach by road. In an emergency, the situation can soon become very stressful if you think it could be another hour before you reach a clinic. Luckily Helicopteros Sanitarios offer a great service which brings doctors to the comfort of your own home, plus they can get you to a hospital quickly if needed. Many people who rent long term on the Costa del Sol will become a member of the Helicopteros Sanitarios so they have peace of mind that wherever they are in Andalucía, they have professional, English speaking healthcare whenever they need it.

So now you can get on with settling into Spain without worrying about the stresses of healthcare in a foreign country. This can make all the difference to settling in here if you know you and your family are being looked after and you will know what to do, and where to go if anything does happen during your stay in Spain.

Useful numbers

Emergencies – 112

EHIC Application line – 0845 606 2030

EHIC Enquiry line – 0845 605 0707

Helicopteros Sanitarios – (+34) 952 81 67 67

Opening a bank account in Spain – Quick Guide

HomeCareontheWeb — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:15:11 +0000

Despite some of the stories going around about opening a bank account in Spain, it can be a relatively simple process. When it comes to finding work, paying bills, and settling in, it’s essential to open an account. For those of you who don’t speak much Spanish, here is a quick guide to opening a bank account here in Spain.

Types of bank

There are two types of bank, the regular banks (banco) which offer full banking services, and savings banks (cajas or caixas) which also offer many of the same services as a regular banco. Unlike the UK, there is not much difference between the two. Cajas have tended to be more popular due to the fees being generally lower, and there seems to be more branches in smaller villages which can be very helpful. When choosing which type of bank to open an account with, it all comes down to price and preference so weigh up your options with the banks in your area.

Accounts

As a foreigner, there are two types of account you can open, a resident account and a non-resident account. If you have your NIE number, the banks are legally obliged to open up a resident account for you and will withhold a portion of interest earned to cover taxes. To open this account you will need your NIE number, passport, proof of address, and a deposit. If you rent long-term in Spain, this is likely to be the one for you.

If you don’t have an NIE number and still want to open an account, you will just need to take some ID with you like a passport or driving license. The non-resident account does not withhold a portion of interest for tax purposes, but the transaction fees are usually higher. Every 6 months, the bank is required by law to establish your residency status. This requires no input from you, but is likely to cost you in fees on your account.

These days, the banking system in Spain is quite modern. If you have an account with a regular banco, you are likely to receive an ATM card as usual, and with cajas, you are likely to receive a bank book. Like the UK, many banks here offer online banking services, which is a popular choice when living in more rural parts of Spain and the nearest branch is miles away.

So opening a Spanish bank account can be one less thing off your mind. Do your research online as to what the banks are offering, then just pop in to the branch with your ID, and tell them you want to open an account. You will find in areas popular with tourists, the majority of banks will have staff who can speak English and other languages, so don’t worry too much if you don’t speak much Spanish yet. There are also banks which specialise in foreign residents such as Solbank and even British banks such as Barclays in expat hotspots.

Visit our website to view our current list of properties or find out more about long-term rental on the Costa del Sol.