Couldn't agree more but...

this is turning out to be very much the norm here, as fact I haven't yet run into a place that didn't have this as a contigency and all of my dealings are with property agencies that are not fly by night shops/individuals.

Also the guarantee in this case is not for damage (that is the 1 or 2 month deposit paid to the landlord) but rather protection if I up and walk away and/or refuse to pay rent...apparently here it is a 3-5 month legal process to get judgement so this is the landlords protection.

And, from what I have read, as in the US there is a document filled at at the time of move in where we would document all "existing" damages to the property. Though you raise a good point I will have to check with the bank/agents as to what the landlord must do in order to actually withdraw these monies...I am sure it is more than just calling the bank (at least I would hope).

and I do agree with you that this does defeat the purpose of renting for the average Spaniard and I find it a very peculiar practice... But there seems to be some "insurance" that you can get in place of this Aval where you pay some dollars per month but this is also new and not all landlords (so I am told) are accepting this in place of the Aval.

Luckily for me the company shipping me over here is going to take care of the Aval. But how does the young spanish couple just starting out afford to rent....