Common tenant situations
Lexiel has answered thousands of tenancy queries. These are the most common:
Deposit not returned
Your landlord retains your deposit without justification or after more than 30 days. Lexiel explains how to claim it back with legal interest.
Irregular rent increase
Your landlord wants to raise rent without respecting LAU limits or CPI. Understand which increases are legal and which you can challenge.
Hidden defects and repairs
Damp, broken heating, leaks, pests. Know who pays what under LAU and Civil Code to avoid costs that aren't yours.
Abusive contract clauses
Exaggerated penalties, mandatory renovation payments, waiver of inalienable rights. Lexiel analyzes your contract and identifies void clauses.
Certified letters and communications
When to send a certified letter, what it must include, and its legal effect as evidence in court proceedings.
Lease extension, termination and eviction
Notice periods, tacit renewal, early termination grounds and tenant rights when facing eviction.
How does Lexiel help?
- Explains LAU and the 2023 Housing Act in plain language, no jargon
- Finds real Supreme Court case law about your specific situation
- Tells you if your contract has void or abusive clauses (LAU Art. 6)
- Calculates deadlines: notice to terminate, limitation periods, late payment interest
- Guides you on when it's worth hiring a lawyer vs. resolving it yourself
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Frequently asked tenant questions
How long does the landlord have to return the deposit?
Under Article 36.4 of the LAU, the landlord has 1 month from key handover to return the deposit or justify deductions. After this deadline, the outstanding amount accrues legal interest.
Can the landlord raise rent whenever they want?
No. For contracts signed after 26 May 2023 (Housing Act), rent increases are capped at CPI or the Rental Price Index. In stressed areas, the cap is more restrictive. The landlord can only update rent on the anniversary date of the contract.
Who pays for repairs in a rented property?
The landlord must carry out repairs necessary to maintain habitability (LAU Art. 21). The tenant is only responsible for minor repairs from ordinary wear and tear (LAU Art. 21.4). Improvement works are the owner's responsibility.
Can I refuse the landlord entry to my home?
Yes. The tenant's home is inviolable (Constitution Art. 18.2). The landlord cannot enter without your consent. For inspection visits or viewings, they must agree a time with you. Forced entry may constitute unlawful entry.