TL;DR
Guide to mid-term rentals (1-12 months) across Europe. Best platforms, agencies, contract types, pricing by city, and tips for securing flexible-length housing.
Mid-term rentals fill the gap between short-stay holiday lets and long-term leases. Whether you are on a work assignment, studying abroad, waiting for a permanent home, or testing a new city before committing, a 1-12 month rental offers flexibility without the premium pricing of nightly rates. This guide covers the mid-term rental landscape across Europe: where to find them, what contracts look like, typical pricing, and how agencies handle this increasingly popular rental category.
What Counts as Mid-Term?
There is no universal definition, but the rental industry generally considers mid-term to be stays of 1-12 months. Under one month falls into short-term/holiday let territory (subject to tourist accommodation regulations in many cities). Over 12 months is typically a standard long-term tenancy with full tenant protections. Mid-term sits in between, often with its own contract type and regulatory treatment.
Why Mid-Term Rentals Are Growing
Remote work has created a large population of workers who want to spend 3-6 months in a city before moving on. Corporate assignments increasingly use mid-term housing rather than hotels. Students on exchange programmes need one or two semesters. Families relocating internationally need transitional housing while they search for a permanent home. All of these groups need something more substantial than Airbnb but more flexible than a multi-year lease.
Mid-Term Rental Contracts by Country
Spain: Contrato de Temporada
Spain's "temporary contract" (contrato de temporada) is specifically designed for mid-term rentals. It is exempt from the standard 5-year minimum tenancy law that applies to long-term rentals. The contract specifies a fixed duration (typically 1-11 months) and a stated reason for the temporary nature (work assignment, studies, medical treatment). This is the legal framework most agencies in Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia use for mid-term lets.
Average mid-term rent: EUR 900-1,400/month in Barcelona, EUR 800-1,200 in Madrid, EUR 600-900 in Valencia.
Agencies in Barcelona | Agencies in Madrid
France: Bail Mobilite
France introduced the "bail mobilite" (mobility lease) in 2018 specifically for tenants in professional training, studies, apprenticeships, or temporary work assignments. It runs for 1-10 months with no renewal, no deposit required (though a Visale guarantee can be requested), and furnished accommodation only. This is particularly useful in Paris where standard leases require extensive documentation.
Average mid-term rent: EUR 1,200-2,000/month in Paris, EUR 700-1,100 in Lyon.
Germany: Zwischenmiete
Germany's "Zwischenmiete" (interim rental) covers sublets and temporary rentals. These are common in Berlin and Munich, often from tenants who are travelling or on sabbatical. The main tenant retains the lease and subletting requires landlord consent. Furnished Zwischenmiete apartments are typically 20-40% more expensive than unfurnished long-term rents but significantly cheaper than serviced apartments.
Average mid-term rent: EUR 900-1,400/month in Berlin, EUR 1,100-1,600 in Munich.
Portugal: Arrendamento Nao Habitacional / Short-Duration
Portugal allows rental contracts of any duration by agreement. For mid-term stays, agencies typically offer furnished apartments on 3-12 month contracts with one month's notice for renewal or termination. Lisbon and Porto have a growing supply of mid-term furnished units aimed at digital nomads and remote workers.
Average mid-term rent: EUR 800-1,200/month in Lisbon, EUR 600-900 in Porto.
Italy: Contratto Transitorio
Italy's "contratto transitorio" (transitional contract) covers rentals of 1-18 months. It requires a documented reason for the temporary nature and must follow locally agreed rent ceilings in some cities. This contract type is common in Rome, Milan, and Florence for professionals, students, and relocating families.
Average mid-term rent: EUR 900-1,400/month in Rome, EUR 1,000-1,500 in Milan.
Agencies in Rome | All Italy agencies
Where to Find Mid-Term Rentals
Our directory lists agencies across Europe that handle mid-term rentals. Filter by "mid-term" rental type to find agencies in your destination city. Beyond our directory, Flatio (no deposit, 1-12 months), HousingAnywhere (verified listings, 1-12 months), and Spotahome (video-verified, 1-12 months) specialise in this segment. Many standard rental agencies also offer mid-term options but may not advertise them prominently; it is worth asking directly.
Browse mid-term rental agencies
Tips for Mid-Term Renters
Negotiate: mid-term landlords are often willing to adjust rent for the right tenant, especially during off-peak months. Check what is included: utilities, internet, and cleaning should ideally be bundled for mid-term stays to avoid setup hassles. Confirm the notice period: most mid-term contracts require 30 days' notice, but some require 60. Ensure the contract permits address registration if you need it for visa, banking, or health insurance purposes; some short-duration contracts explicitly do not allow this.