Laws of the Landlord IN June 2013, the government changed the rules for its booming holiday rentals market and Spain’s 17 regions were tasked with regulating their own private landlords. Eighteen months on, Andalucia is set to introduce its own regulations. There has been much speculation about the motive behind the law change. Was it to ensure owners would declare their income? Yes. Was it to introduce a minimum standard of quality in tourist accommodation in Spain? Yes. Was it due to pressure from the hotel industry? Probably… Whatever the reason, it doesn’t damage the simple fact that regulating holiday accommodation is a positive step forward in an industry that is predicted massive growth in 2015. Global studies show many holidaymakers now choose rental accommodation over traditional hotels. In Spain alone, the demand for holiday rentals increased by 20% in 2014. Regulations have already been introduced in Catalunya and Valencia. Now, one year after Tourism Director Rafael Rodriguez announced that regulations were in motion, Andalucia is set to unveil its own measures. It will be free to apply for your licence, however you may be subject to a tax from your local town hall. The Junta de Andalucia used the decree from Catalunya as a template and, in general, the stipulations are standard and achievable. Some of the points important for owners include: Viviendas de uso turistico (homes for tourist use) may be rented out on on a room-by-room basis. They would be registered under the category: Vivienda Turística por Habitaciones. This type of accommodation would be given the title ‘Bed and Breakfast’ There is a maximum occupancy of 15 guests per property The accommodation must be fitted with air conditioning in the living area and bedrooms If a property is rented out between October and April, it must be fitted with heating that maintains a temperature of 19 degrees A property must have a free internet/ wifi service If you own or run (as a manager) two properties or more within a 1km radius, your properties must be registered as Apartamentos Turisticos (tourist apartments) and will need to follow a different set of guidelines and regulations Your property must have the Licence of First Occupation to be applicable for registration Hotel lobby groups are also putting pressure on the Junta to introduce a ‘minimum 5-day stay’ rule, similar to the law in Madrid. Sevilla-based association Apartsur is supporting homeowners in Andalucia and has been negotiating with the Junta de Andalucia to get some of the less favourable conditions taken out. Until the final decree is published, we won’t know what’s in and what’s out. The holiday rental market must move with times and embrace change. Holiday rental regulations should focus on quality, safety and security. They should focus on giving guests the assurance they need to book their holiday with confidence. And they should instill trust in genuine owners and managers. To find out more information on the holiday rental industry, visit spain-holiday/rentalbuzz Olive Press
Posted on: Fri, 02 Jan 2015 09:44:58 +0000