This would hurt many an expat with a second property in Spain, who currently rent the property out privately.
Private holiday rentals could be restricted across Spain under a new law being debated in parliament seen as favouring the hotel industry.
Spain’s parliament is poised to pass a new law that will restrict the right of home owners to engage in holiday-lettings. The move means it will be illegal to rent out property through websites unless it has the correct licence and has been approved by regional tourism authorities.
Until now Spanish law has enshrined the right of private home owners to rent their property to tourists on a “short-term” seasonal basis as long as they declare revenue.
The provision enshrined in the existing law will be removed however and responsibility will be devolved to Spain’s 17 regional governments, some of which will require licences to be sought by those wanting to rent to tourists.
It will mean home owners will have to ensure their properties conform to the same regulations already imposed on hotels and campsites and provide a minimum standard of quality as well as meet health and safety requirements.