Short answer: anyone renting long-term in Marbella or Estepona paid on average, in September 2026, €23.6 per m² per month in Marbella and €21.1 in Estepona (idealista). A tenancy for a main residence falls under the Spanish tenancy law (LAU): you can extend it up to 5 years (7 years if the landlord is a company), the deposit is one month's rent and additional guarantees are capped at two months. Since 2023 the agent's fees are paid by the landlord. If you rent for one season, for example to spend the winter, different rules apply.
Renting for a while before you buy, spending a winter on the coast or moving for good: long-term rentals in Marbella and Estepona are in demand and supply is tight. In this article you'll read what renting costs, which rules apply and how to find a good home faster.
Moving here? Also read moving to Marbella and moving to Spain. Want to rent out your own home instead? Read renting out your property in Spain.
What does renting cost in Marbella, Estepona and the surrounding area?
| Municipality | Asking rent per m² per month | Example: 100 m² |
|---|---|---|
| Marbella | € 23,6 | about €2,360 |
| Benahavís | € 21,2 | about €2,120 |
| Estepona | € 21,1 | about €2,110 |
| Málaga (city) | € 16,5 | about €1,650 |
Source: idealista, asking rents September 2026. The example is a simple calculation; the actual rent depends on location, views, condition and furnishing.
According to Numbeo (October 2026), a one-bedroom apartment in central Marbella costs about €1,350 a month and a three-bedroom one about €2,500. Read more about the cost of living in is Marbella expensive.
Long-term, seasonal or holiday rental?
| Type | Who for | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Rental as a main residence (vivienda habitual) | People who live there | LAU tenancy law: extendable up to 5 years (7 with a company landlord), then tacitly renewed for 3 years |
| Seasonal let (alquiler de temporada) | Winter visitors, work or study, for a limited period | Contract for a fixed period; the rules are getting stricter with housing decree RDL 29/2026, which still has to be ratified |
| Holiday rental | Tourists, by the night or week | Holiday home registered with the Junta de Andalucía |
Choose the contract that fits your real situation. If you live there all year, you are entitled to the protection of a standard tenancy agreement.
Your rights and obligations as a tenant
- Term: for a main residence you can extend the contract every year up to 5 years, even if a shorter term was agreed. After six months you may terminate with one month's notice.
- Deposit (fianza): one month's rent. Additional guarantees are capped at two months' rent. In Andalusia, since 24 January 2026, the landlord no longer has to lodge the deposit with the regional government.
- Agent's fees: since the 2023 housing law (Ley 12/2023) the landlord pays the agent's fees.
- Rent increase: under the October 2026 housing decree, a maximum of 2% a year until the end of 2027, if the decree is ratified. Andalusia has not designated any stressed housing areas, so there is no rent cap.
You'll find all the rules for landlords and tenants in renting out your property in Spain and in our tax and law guide.
Which documents do you need?
- Your passport or ID card and your NIE number.
- Proof of income: payslips, pension or annual accounts.
- Recent bank statements or proof of savings.
- Sometimes a reference from a previous landlord.
Landlords on the Costa del Sol often decide quickly. If you have a complete file ready, you stand a better chance.
Rent first, then buy?
Many of our clients first rent for a few months in the area where they want to buy. That way you get to know the neighbourhood in different seasons, and you're on the spot when the right home comes on the market. Read buying a house in Marbella and living and buying in Estepona.
How we help
We broker long-term rentals of homes whose owners have instructed us to do so. We know the market in Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona and often hear about homes before they go online. Tell us your budget, the period and the areas you're looking for, and we'll let you know what's possible.
Looking for a long-term rental in Marbella, Benahavís or Estepona? Tell us your budget, the period and what you're looking for.
Tell us what you are looking forSend us a WhatsAppRead also: moving to Marbella, wintering in Marbella, is Marbella expensive and our tax and law guide.
This article is part of our guide to tax and law for property in Spain: all the rules for buying, owning, renting out, selling and inheriting in one place, checked every month.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Marbella?
The average asking rent in September 2026 was €23.6 per m² per month (idealista). According to Numbeo, a one-bedroom apartment in the centre costs about €1,350 a month.
How long does a tenancy agreement in Spain run?
For a main residence you can extend the contract up to 5 years, or 7 if the landlord is a company. After that it is tacitly renewed for 3 years.
How much deposit do you pay when renting in Spain?
One month's rent as the statutory deposit, plus possibly additional guarantees up to a maximum of two months' rent.
Who pays the agent when renting in Spain?
Since the 2023 housing law, the landlord pays the agent's fees.
Can I rent in Marbella for a winter?
Yes, with a seasonal contract for a fixed period. The rules for seasonal rentals will get stricter if housing decree RDL 29/2026 is ratified.
Sources
- idealista, rental price reports for Marbella, Estepona, Benahavís and Málaga, September 2026
- Numbeo, Cost of Living in Marbella, consulted 22 October 2026
- Ley 29/1994 de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU), articles 9, 11 and 36
- Ley 12/2023 por el derecho a la vivienda (agent's fees paid by the landlord)
- Ley 5/2025 de Vivienda de Andalucía, additional provision 6 (no more deposit lodging)
- Real Decreto-ley 29/2026 (BOE 7 oktober 2026)
Written by the Imagine Marbella editorial team. Updated October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice: always have your situation checked by a gestor or lawyer.
