New regulations governing short-term rentals in Spain came into force on 3 April 2025. They are intended to increase the control of housing associations over such activities. The changes could significantly affect the property market, especially in tourist regions.
New rules for holiday rentals
Under the new regulations, owners of tourist flats, i.e. for short-term rental, will have to obtain the approval of the community of residents. The decision to approve the rental will require a majority of 3/5 votes. If the community statutes do not prohibit tourist rentals, the final decision will depend on a vote of the residents.
This does not apply if the flat is rented continuously for more than two months to the same tenant.
In the case of unauthorised renting, the community president will face possible sanctions if the owner ignores the summonses. Financial penalties for renting without the community’s consent will range from €30,000 to €600,000, depending on the region and the scale of the breach.
What will be the impact on the rental market?
The changes may result in a decrease in the number of flats for tourist rentals, which may translate into an increase in the number of long-term rental offers. At the same time, the limited supply of holiday flats may lead to an increase in their prices, which will certainly affect the short-term accommodation market.
The new legislation also allows housing associations to impose additional charges on landlords who rent to tourists. The increase in the cost of estate fees can be up to 20%. The additional financial burden may prompt owners to sell their properties or convert them to long-term rentals.
Those who already had registered tourist flats before 3 April 2025 will not need to obtain a new rental consent. This means that existing landlords – operating under the current regulations – will not have to comply with additional requirements.
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What will change for property owners?
The new regulations are provoking mixed reactions. Landlords’ associations are in favour of the changes, seeing them as a way to curb the excessive number of flats for short-term rentals. Residents of housing associations, on the other hand, can expect more peace of mind. However, property owners then lose the freedom to dispose of their property. The changes could particularly affect the property market in Andalusia, where short-term rentals are an important part of the tourist business.
The new regulations on short-term rentals aim to strengthen the role of resident communities in deciding the operation of such activities. While the regulations aim to improve the quality of life for residents, they may also affect the profitability of investments in tourist rental properties.
