The Costa del Sol remains one of Spain’s top destinations, making short-term holiday rentals an attractive business opportunity for property owners. However, to legally rent out your property as tourist accommodation in Andalusia, you must comply with regional regulations established by the Junta de Andalucía.
Here’s a detailed outline of the process and requirements to help you navigate the procedure.
1. General Requirements for the Property
To qualify for a Tourist Rental License, your property must meet the following standards:
• Location Compliance: The property must be situated on urban (not rural) land and meet all local planning and building regulations.
• Size: A minimum total constructed area of 25 m², with at least 14 m² per guest.
• Climate Control: Proper heating and cooling systems installed, ensuring comfort in all seasons.
• Furnishings & Equipment: The property must be fully furnished and equipped with all essential appliances, fixtures, and fittings necessary for immediate use. This includes beds, wardrobes, kitchen appliances, and sufficient crockery and utensils depending on guest capacity. Detailed specifications per room are available on the official Junta de Andalucía website.
• Safety: A first aid kit must be provided on the premises.
• Guest Information: Guests must receive tourist information, including city maps, local services (restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies), parking facilities, emergency numbers, and entertainment guides.
• Usage Instructions: Clear guidelines on how to use appliances, installations, and any house rules or restrictions must be easily accessible to guests.
2. Operator Responsibilities
As the owner or manager of the tourist property, you are required to:
• Provide a 24-hour contact number for guest assistance in case of emergencies or incidents.
• Keep a Claims and Complaints Book (Hoja de Reclamaciones) available on-site for guests.
• Ensure cleaning services are carried out before the arrival and after the departure of each guest.
• Sign a rental contract with every guest, outlining terms and conditions of the stay.
• Inform guests about applicable house rules and local community guidelines.
3. Documentation Required for Registration
Before applying for the license, you need to gather the following paperwork:
• A Property Registry Certificate proving ownership.
• A certificate from the Community of Owners explicitly authorising each individual tourist rental activity in the building or complex.
• Additional documents may be required depending on individual cases (such as authorisation of exploitation rights or representation by a third party).
4. Registration Procedure
Once all requirements are met:
1. Submit the Declaración Responsable (Responsible Declaration) to the Andalusian Tourist Board. This document confirms that your property complies with all legal standards and you are prepared for inspection.
2. After submission, you will receive a temporary registry number, which must be entered into the Unique Property Registry of Spain.
3. Once the final Tourist Registration Number is issued, you must display this number on all marketing materials, listings, and advertisements related to the property.
4. Register your property on SES Hospedajes, the central government platform for guest registration, and log the details of all guests aged 14 and above.
Need Assistance?
While the process is manageable—especially for those with Spanish language skills—many property owners prefer professional help to ensure smooth approval. If your property is located between Málaga and Marbella, Malaga Expat Consulting can guide you through the entire process.
Contact us to make your rental business fully compliant—quickly and hassle-free!