Inklingo

How to Say "rent" in Spanish

English → Spanish

alquiler

al-kee-LEHR/al.kiˈleɾ/

nounA2general
Use 'alquiler' when referring to the regular payment for housing, like an apartment or house, or for short-term rentals of vehicles or equipment.
A stack of colorful currency bills and coins placed next to a miniature, simplified red house illustration, symbolizing payment for housing.

Examples

El alquiler de este apartamento es muy caro.

The rent for this apartment is very expensive.

El alquiler de nuestro piso subió el 10% este año.

The rent for our apartment went up 10% this year.

Necesitamos un coche de alquiler para visitar la costa.

We need a rental car to visit the coast.

¿Cuándo es la fecha límite para pagar el alquiler?

When is the deadline to pay the rent?

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-er', 'alquiler' is a masculine noun, so always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el alquiler', 'un buen alquiler'.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake:Using *alquiler* when you mean the action of renting, e.g., 'Quiero alquiler una casa.'

Correction: Use the verb *alquilar* for the action: 'Quiero *alquilar* una casa.' (I want to rent a house).

renta

REN-tah/ˈren.ta/

nounB2formal
Use 'renta' primarily for payments related to the use of property over a longer term, such as land leases, or for income tax ('renta' is also income).
Two hands exchanging a stack of bills, with a small house outline nearby, illustrating the concept of rent payment.

Examples

Pagamos una renta anual por el uso de la tierra agrícola.

We pay an annual rent for the use of the agricultural land.

El contrato de renta del terreno dura diez años.

The land lease contract lasts ten years.

Mi abuela vive de la renta que le paga el gobierno.

My grandmother lives off the annuity the government pays her.

Renta vs. Alquiler (Spain)

Mistake:Using 'renta' to mean monthly apartment rent in Spain.

Correction: In Spain, use 'alquiler' for housing rent. 'Renta' usually refers to income or leasing land/commercial property.

Alquiler vs. Renta

Learners often use 'renta' for everyday housing payments, but 'alquiler' is much more common and natural for apartments and houses. Reserve 'renta' for longer-term property use or income.

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