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Holiday lets and short-term rental properties will need to be registered on a national database if their owners want to advertise them online, according to the Spanish government's housing department.
Once entered on the register, properties will be given an official code which must be shown clearly on any adverts.
This code is valid for 12 months, after which it must be renewed.
Upon renewal, the owner will supply a mandatory list of tenancies or lets during the previous year, detailing type and length of stay.
The new move even affects accommodation appearing on Airbnb – not just those shown on traditional letting agency sites and property portals.
Any online platform advertising non-permanent lets or tourism rentals is required by law to display the allotted code, proving the property complies with the legal requirement to be registered on the central database – and to reject any requests for advertising not accompanied by the obligatory code.
The application process: What we know so far
Applications for entry to the official database are made via the College of Registrars (Colegio de Registradores) and affects non-owner-occupied homes available to rent for less than 12 months.
For short-term residential rentals, the landlord is required to justify why the tenancy is not permanent – reasons accepted could include the owner's or tenant's temporary relocation for work, study, illness, medical treatment or care duties, Spain's government explains.
The College of Registrars will have 15 days to notify the homeowner of any alterations or improvements needed to ensure the property is 'fit for purpose', and the owner then has seven days to arrange to comply with these requirements.
What the database is for
Minister for housing and urban agenda Isabel Rodríguez announced the move earlier this month in response to a European Union directive requiring member States to regulate holiday rentals in light of a growing housing crisis in established tourism hotspots.
Additionally, the register is aimed at combating fraud – such as scammers advertising a property they do not own or which does not exist, conning holidaymakers out of their money.
Quality of short-term and holiday lets will also be assured, since registration will be subject to the accommodation being found suitable for tourism or residential purposes.
Once in place, the database will 'link up holiday let and short-term rental advertising platforms', creating a 'one-stop shop' for would-be customers.
The first of its kind in the European Union, Spain's letting register is eventually expected to form part of a wider database serving all 27 member States.
When will the register come into effect?
Isabel Rodríguez says the registration requirement will come into force from the start of 2025, although an initial period of grace will be given for property owners to apply 'voluntarily'.
The exact length of this voluntary period has not been confirmed as yet, neither have full details of how to register been set out.
For now, if you're thinking of letting out your property, you can start by reading our article on Spain's tourist licence for holiday rental properties.
Last updated: 31/10/2024
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The information contained in this article is for general information and guidance only. Our articles aim to enrich your understanding of the Spanish property market, not to provide professional legal, tax or financial advice. For specialised guidance, it is wise to consult with professional advisers. While we strive for accuracy, thinkSPAIN cannot guarantee that the information we supply is either complete or fully up to date. Decisions based on our articles are made at your discretion. thinkSPAIN assumes no liability for any actions taken, errors or omissions.
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