Andorra Rental Agency Takes Deposit Then Backs Out for Higher Bidder

A Spanish resident in Andorra, father to three young children, claims a Massana real estate agency accepted his €12,180 deposit for a luxury rental only to cancel the deal a week later, allegedly in favor of a higher-paying tenant.

The 30-year-old man, who lives in Llorts with his wife and children aged six, seven, and six months, negotiated the 500-square-metre house in Escàs down from €5,000 to €4,000 monthly. Three months ago, he spotted the listing, submitted strong references and documentation, and received confirmation on a Tuesday in January. The agency assured him the property was his after reviewing other candidates, prompting him to notify his current landlord of a 1 February move-out—the planned contract-signing date. He paid two months' rent as deposit plus €4,180 in fees.

The following week, the agency withdrew, citing insufficient documentation despite his prior submissions. The funds were refunded, but he alleges the true motive surfaced elsewhere: a rival bidder at €5,500 monthly. He describes feeling "helpless" in Andorra's tight rental market, where his children's Ordino school limits options—distant areas like Juberri mean 90-minute commutes, while Pas de la Casa offers only cramped 100-square-metre flats. He has consulted lawyers, who note such incidents are common, and filed complaints with the Andorran Gambling Supervision Authority (AGIA), which directed him to the National Housing Institute. Neither has responded, he says. Efforts to contact the owner, recently enriched by a flat sale, failed; her lawyer instructed him not to message. He accuses the agency of alerting competitors despite the reservation.

The property owner's son offers a contrasting account. He confirms the deposit but says the tenant proved "not solvent" after failing to provide a requested income tax declaration. While initial trust led to acceptance—despite higher offers—the agency later received bank statements showing low balances, eroding confidence. "Perhaps we should have asked for the tax return before taking the deposit," he said, adding his mother no longer trusted the candidate. The house has rented at a price "a bit higher" than €4,000, not the €5,500 claimed, he stated. "If he wants to sue, let him sue," he added, dismissing emphasis on the tenant's family situation.

The resident, who requested anonymity and earns comfortably but is "no millionaire," continues his search amid scarce supply. "They treat us like trash. Imagine if you don't have money," he said.