Are you considering renting out your second property or your main property during some short period of time?
Renting out a property in Spain for the summer season, for example, can be a great opportunity to earn some extra income. However, it’s important to be aware of the regulations that rule tourist rentals in different regions of the country. In this article, we will discuss the specific regulations for renting out a property in the regions of Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands.
Important documents and displays
In Catalonia, properties that are intended for tourist rentals must be registered at the Catalan Tourism Registration Office and comply with certain safety, hygiene, and quality standards. This registration must be obtained before the property is advertised for rent.
As consequence, you must have:
- A certificate of occupancy and respect for the number of tenants indicated on the certificate. There is a maximum occupancy and a minimum space requirement in Catalonia. For example, a one-bedroom apartment can only accommodate up to four people, including children. Additionally, there are minimum space requirements per person. For example, a one-bedroom apartment must have at least 20 square meters of living space per person.
- The necessary furniture and furnishings for immediate use, in accordance with the number of places allowed in the property.
- The owner or manager must guarantee assistance and maintenance service for the property, such as a 24-hour telephone number for guests and neighbors, in order to resolve any incident as quickly as possible.
- There is also a maximum stay to be respected for the tourist apartments, homes can only be rented for a maximum of 31 consecutive days. Any rentals that exceed this duration must be considered long-term rentals, which are subject to different regulations.
- The property must visibly display major information: the information sign indicating the availability of the official complaint, claim, and denunciation forms; the 24-hour telephone number; and the license number issued by the Catalan Tourism Register.
Catalonia input these requirements to register in order to regulate the number of rental apartments. In fact, Barcelona is one of the most tourist cities in Spain and a place with a proper number of amenities for welcoming the tourist. This registration might give more control over the number of tourists in Catalonia but also, helps to have fair competition between hotels and particular apartment renting.
In addition to your registration at the Catalan tourism office, it is also mandatory to register the property at the “Mossos d’Esquadra”. This registration takes place in order to comply with the registration of travelers required by the Law on Citizen Security.
If those requirements and rules are not respected by the owner and the manager of the house, legal and financial sanctions can be decided. The sanctions imposed by the competent administrations are under the sanctioning regime of the “Generalitat” and the different municipalities, depending on where the property is located.
The use of temporary rental platforms
We will now speak more precisely about the case of rental platforms such as Airbnb. Airbnb hosts must register their properties at the Catalan Tourism Register with the same requirements, just like any other tourist rental. Hosts must also provide their registration number in their Airbnb listing so that guests can verify that the property is registered with the appropriate authorities.
Airbnb hosts in Catalonia must also comply with other regulations related to the use of the platform. For example, hosts must provide information about the check-in and check-out process, as well as any specific rules or limitations regarding the use of the property. Airbnb is also required to share information about hosts and guests with the Catalan Tourism Register, to help ensure that all tourist rentals are following local regulations. This includes information such as the host’s name and contact information, the number of guests, and the dates of the stay.
Finally, it’s important to note that there are penalties for hosts who do not comply with these regulations. These penalties can include fines, suspension or revocation of the registration, and even criminal charges in some cases. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the regulations related to renting out your property on Airbnb or any similar hosting platform in Catalonia and to ensure that you are following all requirements.
Valencian specificities
Similarly, in Valencia, properties intended for tourist rentals must be registered with the Tourism Registry of the Valencian Community, comply with certain safety, hygiene, and quality standards, and have maximum occupancy and minimum space requirements. Additionally, tourist apartments and homes can only be rented for a maximum of 3 months per year. Again, failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or legal consequences.
Balearic Islands specificities
The Balearic Islands also have specific regulations for tourist rentals, including the need for registration with the Balearic Island Government, compliance with safety, hygiene, and quality standards, and maximum occupancy and minimum space requirements. Properties in the Balearic Islands can only be rented for a maximum of 60 days per year. Any failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or legal consequences.
It’s important to note that these regulations can vary depending on the specific municipality in each region, so it’s important to research the specific requirements in your area.
Additionally, it may be advisable to consult with a legal professional to ensure that you are in compliance with the law when renting out your property for tourist use in Spain during the summer season.
In conclusion, understanding the regulations that govern renting out your property in Spain during the summer season is essential to avoid any legal consequences or fines. Each region has specific regulations, and it’s important to read them carefully and consult with a legal professional to ensure that you are in compliance with the law.
At Maonlof, we can help you navigate these regulations and provide expert advice on how to rent out your property in compliance with the law.
