A Spanish region extremely popular with British tourists has moved to regulate tourist rentals.
The Junta de Andalusia, the local government of the southernmost region of Spain, has published a new decree affecting holiday rentals set to come into force in around a year, following its publication in the State Gazette known as the Boletin.
One of the main regulations included in the decree, which won’t apply retroactively to homes already operating as tourist rentals, orders people living in urban areas to seek the approval of their neighbours before renting properties to tourists.
Another key point includes obtaining a licence from the local authority and registering the home with the tourism department before starting to host paying guests.
Failing to get a licence can see operators of rentals receiving a fine ranging between £1,711 and £128,334 (€2,000 and €150,000), depending on the gravity of the infraction.
Moreover, the local city council must authorise holiday lets, and tourist rentals can’t operate on public protected land.
The decree also includes restrictions on where padlocked boxes with keys can be left and the minimum size rentals can be to be eligible for tourist lets.
To be approved as holiday rentals, homes must be “sufficiently furnished and equipped with appliances and fixtures necessary for immediate use and according to the number of places they have”, the decree reads.
Setting minimum standards for rentals, the decree also orders people who are letting their properties to tourists to provide them with bedding, wardrobes, coffee makers and small appliances.
This decree is the latest move aimed at regulating tourism in the region in order to make it sustainable for locals.
Andalusia has implemented a Sustainable Tourism General Plan, which aims at striking a balance between welcoming tourists, vital for the economy, and protecting the lives of locals and the environment.
