To be able to rent out a holiday property or room in Spain, you need to obtain a ‘Tourist License’. From 3 April 2025, the rules on how you can do this are changing.
Do you need a tourist license to rent out a holiday property in Spain?
Yes, you need a tourist license to rent out a holiday property. To get this license, the property will need to meet some requirements that may vary depending on the Community and town where the property is located. The main requirements, regardless of where the property is located are:
- All bedrooms and living room must have direct ventilation to the exterior and have some form of system to darken the windows (blinds/shutters);
- Be sufficiently furnished and equipped for immediate use by the number of places to be rented;
- Hot water
- First-aid kit
- A complaints book
Additionally, you will need to check that the Community of owners has not prohibited or limited the tourist rentals.
What is a tourist use home in Spain?
The definition of a tourist home in Spain may vary depending on the community. However, we can describe a tourist home as a privately owned property rented to tourists for short stays. This accommodation type is very common on online booking platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com.
What are the new rules for rented holiday properties in Spain?
As of 3 April 2025, to rent out a holiday property, you will need to have express consent from the community of owners with a majority of 3/5. On the other hand, If you are already renting your property, but you do not meet all the requirements, the president of the community is empowered to demand the immediate cessation of the activity.
I already have a tourist rental license; will anything change for me after April 2025?
No, if you have a license and you are already renting out your property, this new requirement will not be applicable.
My holiday property let is in a residential community, will I now need to get special approval from neighbours?
If you are planning to start renting your property out after 3 April 2025, you will need the express consent of the Community of owners, granted in the owners’ meeting with a majority of 3/5.
How long does it take to get this consent?
As communities only hold one ordinary general meeting per year, most probably you will have to wait for this meeting to be held to submit your request.
If I buy a property that already has a tourist license, do I still need to get the express consent of the community?
The answer to this question is unclear as it has not been specified if the new owner can continue renting under the previous approval or needs a new authorisation. For example, in Andalucia, when transferring a tourist license to a new owner, you need to submit the same documents as when applying for a new one, so it is possible that they require a new authorisation. We will have to wait to see how the new requirement is implemented in each region and community.
I want to buy a property in Spain and rent it out to holidaymakers, what do I need to consider after the April 2025 changes?
You will need to consider the specific requirements of the Town Hall where the property is located, and the limitations approved by the community of owners. You will also need to get the express consent form the Community of owners.
For further information please contact us on (+34) 951 552 254 or complete an online enquiry form, and a member of the team will be in touch.