Looking for a mid-term rental in Madrid can be exciting, but it also requires caution. Demand in the city is high—especially in well-connected areas and business districts—making it easier to come across misleading or fraudulent listings. If you’re moving to Madrid for work, study, or a 1–6 month stay, it’s essential to take the right steps to protect yourself.

Here’s a complete guide on how to find a safe mid-term rental in Madrid and how to avoid scams.

Be suspicious of prices that look too good to be true

If you find a fully renovated, central apartment at a price far below the market average, it’s likely a fake listing. In Madrid—especially in areas like Chamberí, Tetuán, Chamartín or Centro—prices may vary, but extremely low prices are almost always a red flag.

Golden rule: If the price seems unreal, it probably is.

Never send money without a proper contract

Scammers push for quick payments: deposit, reservation, advance… anything.

Before paying:

• Ask for a written contract

• Check that it includes real personal or company details

• Ensure the conditions are clear: duration, price, check-in/check-out, included services

If they pressure you to pay before seeing or signing the contract, walk away immediately.

Make sure the apartment actually exists

A common scam tactic is using stolen photos from other listings.

To avoid this:

• Ask for a live video tour

• Request extra photos (bathroom, windows, views)

• Check the building on Google Maps

If they refuse to show the property in real time, that’s a major warning sign.

Verify that the owner or company is legitimate

If renting from a private landlord:

• Search for reviews

• Verify their ID when appropriate

• Check whether they own more properties

If renting from a company:

• Review their website

• Look for Google reviews

• Ensure they have real physical addresses

Caterina House, for example, is an established company with verified buildings in strategic areas of Madrid, offering guests complete transparency and safety.

Watch out for suspicious communication

Signs of a possible scam:

• Poorly written messages

• Auto-translated texts

• Emails without signatures

• Lack of clear answers

• Requests for personal documents too early

Professional, transparent communication is essential.

Consider renting through specialized mid-term rental companies

For professionals, relocations, or study stays, a dedicated company is often the safest and most convenient option.

Advantages:

• Verified apartments

• Clear contracts

• Transparent process

• Customer support

• Flexible monthly stays

• Fully equipped homes ready from day one

Caterina House offers fully furnished, modern apartments in well-connected areas of Madrid—ideal for mid-term stays.

Finding a safe mid-term rental in Madrid is completely doable when you know how to spot red flags: fake prices, unclear contracts, unverifiable owners and poor communication. With the right steps—and by choosing reliable providers—you can enjoy Madrid safely and stress-free.