Owners of short-term lets in Spain operating via websites such as Booking.com or Airbnb must apply to the Spanish Land Registry for an identification number in order to be entitled to operate.
The Registrar will check whether the activity is prohibited by their community of owners, and whether they have the necessary licences from the Spanish authorities to operate. If not, the application will be denied and the listing must be removed from the online platform.
The registration number is valid for one year and must therefore be renewed on annual basis. The cost of this procedure is EUR 27 + IVA. In addition, owners must provide every 12 months an information form with an anonymised list of rental contracts.
The online platforms are also independently required to conduct random inspections to determine whether the properties meet the requirements to operate, and then share the information they receive with the Spanish authorities.
It goes without saying that these measures will have a significant and immediate effect upon the Spanish holiday let market, both in terms of the number of properties available and the likely rental costs.
Please do not hesitate to contact Marc White & Co. if you need assistance with any of the issues raised, or for any other matter involving Spain.