Rental contract in Andorra: 15 clauses that I would look at before signing

When a floor fits, it is tempting to “close it quickly.” But the contract is what defines whether the rental will be peaceful or a constant source of friction. And in a market with demand, many conditions are accepted out of inertia… until the first problem arrives.

This article is intended to help you review arental contract in Andorrawith judgment, even if you are not an expert. It does not replace legal advice, but it does give you a clear script: what clauses matter, what questions to ask and what should be left in writing before signing.

If you are looking for housing, you can view the inventory offlats and apartments availableeitherall properties. If you already have a candidate and want to move forward safely, the team can accompany you from therental service.

1) Duration of the contract and extensions

The first thing is to understand the agreed duration and how it is renewed. In habitual residence, Andorran regulations establish a minimum duration (and, upon termination, annual tacit extensions are provided for if neither party communicates otherwise).
What to review: initial term, how it is extended, how much notice must be given to not renew.

2) Type of rental: habitual vs. temporary residence

The logic changes if the rental is for habitual residence or if it is temporary. The contract should say this clearly because it affects expectations of duration, stability and conditions. To guide you, the Government of Andorra publishes frequently asked questions about housing that help frame scenarios.
What to check: that the purpose of the lease is explicit and consistent with your situation.

3) Complete identification of the home and annexes

It seems obvious, but here problems arise: exact address, floor/door, parking spaces, storage room, and any annex included must appear as part of the contract. If parking is key for you, let it be stated in writing.

4) Amount of rent and method of payment

It should be clear: income, payment date, method (transfer), and if there are late penalties (and how they are calculated). If the penalty is disproportionate or confusing, ask for an adjustment.

5) Income update (annual review)

This is a sensitive clause. Check if there is an update, when it applies and the index or formula. If the text says “according to what the law establishes” without further ado, ask for it to be specified or, at least, for the applicable framework to be indicated.

6) Deposit: how much is it, what is it for and how is it returned?

The deposit must be defined: amount, purpose and return conditions (deadline, discounts for damages, etc.). To compare with a “model” text, you can review thehousing lease contract modelpublished by the National Habitat Commission (INH).
What to check: that the return is not left “at the discretion” without a procedure and without an outgoing inventory.

7) Other initial amounts: deposit, additional guarantees, first month

Sometimes concepts are mixed. The contract must clearly separate what is a deposit and what are other amounts (if they exist) and under what conditions they are returned. If it's not clear, it's a sign to stop.

8) Expenses included and expenses borne by the tenant

Future discussions are avoided here. It must be indicated what the rent includes (if it includes anything) and what expenses the tenant pays: supplies, taxes, internet, etc. Ideally, it should be in writing how readings, changes of ownership or liquidations are managed.

9) Condition of the home and inventory (if furnished)

If there is furniture or appliances, the inventory is not optional “for convenience”: it is the tool to avoid conflicts. The INH model includes annexes and inventory structure.
What to review: Detailed inventory, dated photos, and delivery and return procedure.

10) Maintenance and repairs: who pays what

This clause decides the coexistence. Ordinary maintenance (normal use) must be differentiated from structural breakdowns or problems prior to rental. If the text says “everything is paid by the tenant”, ask for it to be defined: it is not reasonable to assume what does not depend on the use.

11) Works and improvements: permits, deadlines and final status

If you want to paint, hang things, change lighting, or make small improvements, the contract should say what is allowed and what requires permission. Also review if in the end you must return the home “to its original state” and what is considered a modification.

12) Use of the home, number of occupants and visits

It should be clear who will live there and if there are limits. The normal thing is to declare occupants. If there are strange restrictions (for example, ambiguous prohibitions on visits), ask for clarification: ambiguity is often a problem later.

13) Pets

If you have a pet (or could have one), do not leave it in the air. A “we'll see” doesn't work. It should be written down if it is allowed, under what conditions and if there are specific responsibilities.

14) Sublease and assignment

Many contracts prohibit it. Review how it is worded and what happens with temporary stays of third parties. If you work seasonally or receive family members, it is advisable that the text is not so rigid that it complicates what is normal.

15) Early departure, termination of the contract and delivery of keys

The early departure clause is one of the most important: how much notice must be given, if there is a penalty, how it is calculated and what happens to the deposit. In addition, the delivery procedure must be clear: inspection, departure inventory, meter reading and return of keys.

To understand the general framework of minimum duration in habitual residence (and how it operates if less is agreed), the INH explains it directly in its consultation section.

Three practical recommendations before signing

1. Do not sign with “pending”: if inventory, expense breakdown or exit conditions are missing, ask for it to be added as an annex.
2. Avoid vague clauses: “at the landlord's discretion” is an invitation to conflict.
3. If the apartment interests you a lot, do not give up clarity in a hurry: clarity accelerates, because it avoids renegotiating later.

A reliable resource to compare: official model

If you want to see a well-structured contract with usual clauses (includes sections for deposit, inventory and conditions), you can consult thehousing lease contract modelof the INH.
And for the consolidated legal text applicable to urban leases, the Andorra Legal Portal maintains theLlei 15/2022 (text consolidated)and its updated versions.

Review and rental with an orderly process

If you are about to sign and want to reduce risks, the most effective thing is to review the contract with a checklist and, if the home is furnished, ensure a clear inventory and documented condition. The team can accompany you during the process fromrental service, or you can initiate contact from the contact pagecontact.