Spain’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda has issued a strong warning: 53,876 illegal tourist rentals must be removed from platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Rentalia.
This move highlights the government’s increasing efforts to regulate the tourist rental market, protect housing availability for residents, and ensure fair competition among property owners.
Why is this happening?
Tourist rentals have grown exponentially in recent years, particularly in regions like Andalucía, Cataluña, Comunidad Valenciana, and the Canary Islands. However, many properties are operating without the required tourist rental licence, which is mandatory in most autonomous communities.
Without a licence:
-
Properties risk being removed from online platforms.
-
Owners may face significant fines and legal sanctions.
-
Future rental opportunities can be restricted.
What does the tourist licence involve?
Each autonomous community has its own rules, but in general, you must prove that your property meets minimum standards for safety, hygiene, and quality. Documentation often includes:
-
Proof of ownership or rental rights.
-
Energy certificate and compliance with housing regulations.
-
Civil liability insurance.
-
Registration with the local town hall or regional authority.
Once approved, the licence allows you to advertise legally on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com and gives you peace of mind that your rental activity is compliant.
How Svelsan International Lawyers can help
Navigating the licensing process can be time-consuming and complex, especially if you are not familiar with local regulations. At Svelsan International Lawyers, we specialise in:
-
Preparing and submitting all required documentation.
-
Reviewing community statutes to ensure no restrictions apply.
-
Communicating with local authorities on your behalf.
-
Providing ongoing compliance advice as regulations evolve.
With our support, you can rent your property legally, securely, and stress-free.
If you own a property in Spain and want to rent it to tourists, obtaining a licence is not optional – it is mandatory.
Contact us today to start the process and ensure your rental is 100% legal.
