More and more individuals are offering their homes in Spain for rent through platforms such as Airbnb. Of course, also by Dutch people. Spain wants to keep control over this, which leads to requirements to rent out properties and fines if not met.

Local differences, where do you have your property?

Spain is a country where many northern Europeans, as well as other foreigners from around the world, have vacation homes. Renting out these properties to tourists has skyrocketed with the emergence of rental platforms.

This is in addition to the homes that Spaniards themselves already offer for rent to tourists.

Because of the mass tourism that locals face as a result, Spain also wants to regulate this form of rental to tourists.

However, in each Comunidad Autonoma (Autonomous Community), of which Spain has 17 – well known are Andalusia, Catalonia, Valencia – the rules are different as usual in Spain.

In order to inform our relations anyway, here we provide an overview of what the measures generally cover.

The 5 general measures at a glance

In general, these are the measures you need to take into account as a landlord of a property:

1. Registration requirements 

Landlords must register with the local government and obtain a license to legally rent to tourists.

2. Limited rental periods 

Maximum rental periods can be set.

3. Quality controls

Various measures can be introduced to reduce nuisances to other residents.

4. Protection and local interests

Er kunnen verschillende maatregelen worden ingevoerd om overlast voor andere bewoners te verminderen.

5. Fines and penalties

Fines and penalties will be imposed on landlords who fail to comply.

Regions, municipalities & owners´ association 

Regions

There are now regions where the measure has been taken that the number of rental licenses in the municipalities of that region should not exceed a certain maximum in relation to the population of that municipality.

Municipalities

In addition, there are municipalities that had already decided themselves to stop issuing licenses or are pursuing an active policy to reduce the number of licenses.

Owners’ associations

In addition, there are many owners’ associations that feel that rentals cause nuisance and therefore prohibit rentals to tourists in buildings with apartments.

Already own a property or want to buy one?

If you want to buy a property and -partly- rent it out, check the regional and local regulations. Do you want to buy an apartment? Check in advance whether the Owners’ Association allows rentals.

If you have everything checked out properly, you can then rent out with peace of mind.

Then, even if you already have an apartment that you rent out to tourists, it is obviously important to make sure that you comply with the regulations.

OTIS can always check and take care of this for you.

Do you have a house in Spain and would you like to know whether you can apply for a rental license? Mail us via this link.