Spain Considers New Rules to Regulate Short Term Property Rentals

The Spanish government is proposing two new regulations to control the booming short-term property rentals market. Find out what the changes could mean for property owners and renters.

The Spanish government is taking steps to address the issue of short-term property rentals, which have been a source of concern for many residents. Two new rules are being considered to crack down on this practice, which is often used by landlords to circumvent housing laws.

One of the proposed measures is that landlords will have to provide justification for limiting the duration of rental contracts. This is aimed at ensuring that short-term rentals are reserved for those who truly need them, such as seasonal workers and students. The Minister for Housing in Spain has emphasized the importance of this justification in order to prevent fraud.

In addition, a new state platform will be established to advertise verified short-term rentals. Landlords will be required to provide work contracts, study forms, or other relevant documents to prove the legitimacy of their rentals. Each rental will be assigned a unique code for tracking and monitoring purposes.

These measures are in line with recent EU legislation and are expected to be implemented by the end of 2025. They were announced following a meeting with Spain's working group on short-term rentals, which includes government officials, estate agents, unions, and members of the public. The aim of the group is to address the abuse of short-term contracts by landlords and the impact of tourist rentals on the housing market.

The Minister for Housing is planning to engage with parliamentary groups to propose amendments to the Horizontal Property Law. This would require neighbors to approve tourist rentals in their buildings, giving them a say in the matter. The government's actions come in response to widespread protests demanding more affordable housing options for residents.

The Spanish government's efforts to regulate short-term property rentals are a step towards ensuring fair and transparent practices in the housing market. By implementing these new rules, they aim to protect the rights of tenants and address the challenges posed by the growing trend of short-term rentals.