Advice please re long term rental...

[AllanClarke]

I'm looking to rent a one or two bedroom apartment in Torremolinos from October until March. Everything I'm looking at is 11 month rental. I assume that this is some form of standard rental period in Spain, but as I'm only looking for six months, can anyone advise me where to look? Is there somewhere that lists private rentals?
Grateful for any advice. Thanks.

[Chica56]

The 11 month rental is a myth, you will find Winter rentals easily, a rental contract can be for a fixed time period, I suggest you go on ownersdirect or just google winter rental 2014 torremolinos. Good luck

[masterob]

Long term rentals as distinct from short term lets, are usually for 11 months as anything above 11 months give the renters entitlements which can be difficult to terminate. Of course the rental can be renewed afresh for a further period.
Why do you say they are a myth?

[katy]

Many tenants have successfully challenged 11 month contracts (especially Spaniards). They have turned them into the long term 5 year ones.

Try negotiating with owners for 6 months one. Most won't turn you down, there are thousands of unlet properties.

[Beachcomber]

My apartment is one of them and it is because of this that it will remain so. I would rather it lies empty for most of the year than rent it out on a long let.

[Chica56]

People believed an eleven month contract protected them and in fact it affords no legal protection whatsoever to the property owner as Katy points out. For a Winter rental you can get a seasonal let a rental temporada.

[AllanClarke]

Thanks to all for comments and advice. If anyone knows of a property that's available for a six month rental, can they please let me know. Thanks.