As most know, I arrive in Madrid this Thursday (May 3). And I plan on getting an apt. ASAP. So I've found out about good areas to look in thanks to my other thread and what papers and websites to check out. So now I have a few questions about what to expect:

With a shared apt. in Madrid w/ other young Spaniards, what sort of amenities are usually included in a price? What about washer/ dryer? Internet? Cable? Use of kitchen? I would imagine this is all included and the utilities are split b/w everyone...

Also, when looking online and in newspapers like SegundaMano, what type of info. (or classified) should be a red flag? Is there anything I should be suspicious of? Anything that I should look for?

And one more thing...what if I don't speak Spanish that well? Well I don't speak well enough to hold a productive conversation over the phone. Should I just start speaking English and hope they speak English too? Make friends with someone and have them do all the talking?

I plan on getting a cell phone right away, and Jer I sent you a private message about that too. Let me know if you got it or not. Thanks everyone, I can't wait to get there!

I've just posted on the "spring 07 mm get together" thread that I hope you'll be joining in too!!! A brilliant way to get to know people, and we have a fantastic time (what I remember of some of them )

quote:

Should I just start speaking English and hope they speak English too?

I could be wrong, but I'd say no. I think you will be better off busting out whatever Spanish you can muster. If someone happens to speak English better than you speak Spanish (don't hold your breath!), they'll let you know. Keep it simple. Try to learn all of the relevant vocabulary (disponible=available; señal=a small deposit to hold a place; compartido=shared; habitación=room; etc.) Write down your little spiels ahead of time, so you don't have to improvise.

I think you can pretty much count on having a washer (dryers are much, much rarer--but there is always somewhere to hang your clothes). Cable is almost unheard of--it never really took off here. If you have DSL, you can get channels through this.

I would be wary if they asked for more than one month's deposit in a share situation (could be wrong about this, too).

Here are some other sites you might check out:

http://www.pisocompartido.com/compartir-piso-madrid.asp
http://madrid.loquo.com/spanish/cat/302
http://www.idealista.com/pagina/buscar?op=mostrar_pref&...28-079-07-001-XX-XXX
(click on "compartidos" once you get results)
http://www.compartepiso.com/listar_contactos_ofertas_compartir.php?po=3880

Good luck.

hey Daniel.

i agree with mariposita with regards to...

quote:

I would be wary if they asked for more than one month's deposit in a share situation

in your case it may be harder to find a room since you only want a 3 month rental.

also, often times thos who have aroom available will "interview" possible roomies. basically, they say you can come on by and see the room, they ask you questions and talk to you a bit and then they say they will call you if they decide to rent the room to you. it is not as cut and dry as you taking the room if you like it. most often there are more than 20 "applicants" for a room. a friend of mine was living with 3 spaniards in the argüelles area. he has a nice room and cheap although small. when he left spain, he had to help them find a replacement to rent the room and he put ads in the usual places to do so. he got SOOOO many calls but his roomies waited and waited for the "perfect" candidate. after showing the room about 15 times they finally settled on someone.

just a heads up so you know what could happen. don't give up easily, stick with it and try not to get frustrated if those offering the rooms do not think you are "the one".

saludos,
jer...

Hey Daniel
I've a friend who is letting a room in her gorgeous apartement for short periods, though I don't know if it's available now.
You can write her: Carol or call her : 678003016
She speaks a perfect English.
Good Luck
Nava