PLS Blog

New Regulations for Tourist Rentals in Spain Effective 2025

Written by Platinum Legal Spain | Feb 19, 2025 11:38:29 AM

In 2025, Spain is introducing significant changes to its tourist rental regulations to improve oversight, address housing shortages, and ensure compliance with local and national laws. These new measures affect property owners, rental platforms, and homeowners’ associations, imposing stricter rules on short-term and seasonal rentals.

At Platinum Legal Spain, we help property owners navigate these regulatory changes to ensure compliance and protect their investments. This guide explains the key reforms and what they mean for those involved in Spain’s short-term rental market.

National Registry for Tourist and Seasonal Rentals

As of January 2025, Spain has launched a National Registry for Tourist and Seasonal Rentals, requiring all short-term rental properties to be registered. This initiative aims to regulate the market, prevent unlicensed rentals, and improve tax compliance.

Key Aspects of the New Registry:

  • Mandatory Registration: Every property used for short-term or seasonal rentals must be registered and assigned a unique identification number.
  • Platform Compliance: Rental platforms (e.g., Airbnb, Booking.com) must ensure that all listed properties display a valid registration number.
  • Annual Renewal: Property owners must renew their registration each year and provide rental activity reports.

The new system will be fully operational from July 1, 2025, and properties failing to register risk removal from rental platforms and potential fines. (Source)

Homeowners’ Associations Gain More Control Over Tourist Rentals

Changes to the Horizontal Property Law allow homeowners’ associations (comunidades de propietarios) to restrict or prohibit short-term rentals within their buildings. Under the new rules:

  • A three-fifths majority vote of property owners is now sufficient to impose restrictions on tourist rentals.
  • Communities can implement usage limitations or completely ban short-term rentals if they disrupt residential life.
  • Property owners must comply with new community rules or risk legal enforcement.

This change gives residents greater influence over the presence of tourist accommodations in their buildings. (Source)

Local and Regional Rental Restrictions

In addition to national regulations, many Spanish cities are tightening local restrictions on short-term rentals:

  • Málaga: A three-year freeze on new tourist rental licenses in 43 districts where holiday rentals exceed 8% of available housing.
  • Barcelona: Plans to eliminate 10,000 tourist apartments by 2028 to reintegrate them into the long-term rental market.
  • Seville: Introduction of strict enforcement measures, including cutting off utilities to illegally operated rental properties.

Each region may apply additional conditions, making it essential for property owners to stay updated on local requirements.

New Data Collection Requirements for Tourist Rentals

From December 2024, tourist accommodation providers must collect and report additional guest data for security and tax purposes. The new regulations require:

  • Detailed personal data collection, including full names, addresses, and payment information.
  • Mandatory reporting to Spanish authorities, improving rental market oversight, and tax compliance.

This measure aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the short-term rental sector.

What These Changes Mean for Property Owners

With stricter regulations in place, property owners must:

  • Register their rental property with the national database before July 2025.
  • Ensure their homeowners’ association allows tourist rentals before listing their property.
  • Comply with new data collection laws to avoid legal penalties.
  • Stay informed about regional restrictions that may impact rental activity.

Failure to comply could result in fines, de-listing from rental platforms, and potential legal action from local authorities.

How Platinum Legal Spain Can Assist You

Navigating these regulatory changes can be complex, but Platinum Legal Spain is here to help. Our expert legal team provides:

  • Property registration services to ensure compliance with the new National Registry.
  • Legal guidance on homeowners’ association restrictions and community agreements.
  • Advice on rental tax obligations to avoid financial penalties.
  • Ongoing legal support to keep you updated on new rental laws and requirements.

Whether you are an existing short-term rental owner or considering entering the market, our team ensures your operations remain fully compliant and legally protected.

Need Expert Legal Advice on Tourist Rental Regulations? Contact Platinum Legal Spain Today

If you own or plan to rent a property in Spain, ensure you comply with the latest regulations. Contact Platinum Legal Spain today for expert legal assistance in navigating the 2025 rental law changes.

Stay ahead of legal requirements and protect your investment with professional guidance from Platinum Legal Spain.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to register my short-term rental property under the new law?

Yes. As of 2025, all properties used for tourist and seasonal rentals must be registered with the new National Registry and assigned a unique identification number.

2. How do the new rules affect rental platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com?

Rental platforms must verify that all listed properties display a valid registration number. Listings without this number may be removed from their websites.

3. Can my homeowners’ association stop me from renting my property to tourists?

Yes. Under the updated Horizontal Property Law, a three-fifths majority of homeowners can vote to impose restrictions or bans on short-term rentals within their community.

4. What happens if I don’t comply with the new regulations?

Failure to register a tourist rental or comply with local restrictions could lead to fines, removal from rental platforms, and legal action from authorities or homeowners’ associations.

5. How can I ensure my rental remains compliant?

Platinum Legal Spain provides comprehensive legal assistance, ensuring your property is registered, tax obligations are met, and homeowners’ association rules are followed.

 

Stay Compliant and Protect Your Investment

With Spain’s new tourist rental regulations coming into force in 2025, it is essential for property owners to stay informed and ensure full compliance. Failing to register your rental property, adhere to homeowners’ association rules, or meet new data collection requirements could result in fines, legal action, or removal from rental platforms.

At Platinum Legal Spain, we understand the complexities of property law and short-term rental regulations. Whether you are an existing landlord or planning to enter the rental market, our legal experts provide the guidance and support needed to protect your investment and ensure compliance with the latest regulations.

 

Don’t leave your rental property at risk—seek expert legal assistance today.