Else Beekman
The Spanish government has introduced new regulations to oversee seasonal and short-term rentals. This includes the creation of a ‘Ventanilla Única Digital’ (Digital Single Window) for Rentals to track and regulate short-term accommodation services.
The aim is to clamp down on illegal holiday rentals, protect those in genuine need of temporary housing, and prioritise long-term residential rentals. El Mundo sums up the key aspects of the new decree.
Who does it affect?
The new regulations target two main groups. First, online platforms that advertise short-term rentals, such as Airbnb and other real estate agencies. Second, the property owners or ‘hosts’ who offer short-term rental services in Spain. Any platform featuring rental listings must comply, and hosts are now required to register their properties.
What about rentals not advertised online?
If a short-term rental agreement is made directly between two parties and not advertised online, there is no obligation to obtain a registration number. However, the Ministry of Housing notes that these cases are rare and unlikely to be used widely to evade the new rules.
What types of contracts are covered?
The regulation applies to various short-term rental types, including holiday lets, seasonal rentals, and rentals of individual rooms. It even extends to accommodation on boats and vessels, provided the rental does not involve navigating the vessel, in which case maritime laws apply.
What is considered a temporary rental?
A rental is considered “temporary” if it serves a purpose other than providing a permanent residence for the tenant. For example, rentals for work, study, or medical treatment purposes qualify as short-term, provided the contract clearly specifies the duration and the temporary nature of the agreement.
Can a temporary rental exceed 11 months?
Yes, the key factor is the reason for the rental. As long as the tenant can demonstrate a valid cause, such as work or study, the rental can last more than 11 months, but it must be clearly documented in the contract.
What must short-term rentals offer?
Short-term rentals must comply with Spain’s Urban Leases Law and EU regulations. They must also provide appropriate furnishings and equipment like heating and airconditioning to meet the needs of temporary tenants.
What is the registration number?
The registration number is an alphanumeric code that identifies a property as a short-term rental within the EU. It must include details about the property. Think of floor level, size, furnishings, and geolocation. Each rental unit must have its own unique registration number, even if multiple rooms in one property are rented out separately.
How do hosts obtain a registration number?
From 1 January 2025, property owners offering short-term rentals must apply for a registration number at their local property registry. A temporary code will be issued immediately, but within 15 days, the registrar will either confirm the number or request further information. If the owner fails to provide the required details, they will not receive the code. Consequently, their property cannot be listed for short-term rental.
What about online platforms?
Platforms are required to ensure that all properties they list display their registration number. Failure to comply with this rule could result in fines or sanctions for the platform.
What happens without a registration number?
Properties cannot be advertised or rented without a valid registration number. If a number is invalid or associated with the wrong type of rental, the listing will be removed.
How long is the registration number valid?
The registration number is valid for 12 months, but can be extended if further rentals of the same type occur within that period.
How is it renewed?
To renew the registration, hosts must submit a list of all rentals made during the registration period, along with proof that each rental was temporary. This information may be requested to verify compliance with the rules. By meeting these requirements, the registration number is renewed and uploaded to the Digital Single Window. If the number is suspended or revoked, the digital system will instruct online platforms to remove the corresponding listings.