OCU denounces Engel & Völkers for charging tenants management fees

The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has filed a complaint with the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption, and 2030 Agenda against the real estate agency Engel & Völkers. The OCU alleges that the company is violating the Urban Leasing Law (LAU) by charging potential tenants management fees that should legally be covered by the landlord.

According to the complaint, the company requires tenants to pay fees equivalent to one month's rent plus VAT through a service provision contract. The OCU argues these services—such as property searches, organizing viewings, and document verification—constitute standard real estate intermediation. The organization claims these payments are effectively mandatory for candidates to be presented to landlords, despite legal requirements stating that management and contract formalization costs must be assumed by the lessor.