Hello everyone!
Welcome to my blog! Today I want to talk to you about an important topic that concerns many of my clients and property owners in Marbella: the new legislation regarding short term rentals for tourist use. These developments offer a world of positive opportunities for everyone active in the property market!
If you are considering renting out your property in Marbella to tourists, it is essential to be aware of the recent changes. Since 22nd February 2024, there are new regulations designed to professionalise this market. Short-term rentals now include properties rented for less than two months. And good news: if you already have a VFT permit, it will remain valid, but will now be renamed VUT (Vivienda de Uso Turístico).
Changes in the Rental Act
What does this mean for you as a host? One of the most important changes is that you are now required to provide a 24-hour phone number for any questions or issues guests may have. This is a great step to improve service and make your guests feel welcome and cared for. After all, a happy guest is the best advertisement!
Marbella has a rich history as a holiday destination and currently offers 6,991 registered tourist properties. What I love about this place is that most of the landlords here attract international clients, which contributes to the unique mix of cultures in our city. This ensures that you are not just renting a property, but also sharing a bit of our vibrant lifestyle with others.
Municipal Authorities and Future Rental
In many major cities in Spain and popular tourist destinations in Europe, long-term residents are being forced out of the most desirable areas by the large number of properties being made available for short-term rental. This can lead to problems in communities. Under the new legislation, local authorities now have the authority to restrict or even ban tourist properties in certain neighbourhoods to protect the public interest.
Fortunately, Marbella is a much less “stressed” area compared to other large city centres, as only 6% of short-term rental properties are located in the city centre. According to the mayor, the short-term rental pool consists mainly of properties rented to visitors with a high net worth. Furthermore, most short-term rental properties are owned by foreigners who use the properties themselves for most of the year. This contributes to the stability and character of Marbella compared to larger cities.
Trends and Regulations
The trend towards regulation of short term rentals seems unstoppable and is taking place across Europe, with new similar laws being considered by the European Union. With no less than four levels of government (local, regional, national and EU) involved in the control of tourist properties in Spain, this is good news for short term renters. This requires an overall professionalism and ensures the quality of the sector. Any issues with tourist rentals are dealt with quickly, making the rental experience
New Requirements and Registration for Short Term Rentals in Marbella
From 22 February 2025, it is essential that your property meets the new requirements for short-term rentals. This means that you must provide air conditioning and heating during the rental period, and that the kitchen must be equipped with the necessary safety features. The bedrooms must also meet specific standards to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for your guests.
In addition, it is essential that you register your property with the Tourism Registry of Andalusia. If you have not done so, it is time to take action. Failure to register can result in significant fines and legal complications, which can negatively impact your rental experience.
It is important to note that unregistered or non-compliant properties are subject to cancellation of the rental license and fines of up to €18,000. This makes it all the more important to ensure you are compliant.
Opportunities in the Current Situation
Marbella currently has a whopping 6,991 registered tourist properties. This represents a significant portion of the local property market and presents a great opportunity for landlords to capitalize on the booming rental market. With these key points in mind, you can approach the new legislation with confidence.
Rental Outsourcing
If you want to outsource the rental of your property in Marbella and surroundings, I recommend working with a reliable rental partner who will take care of everything for you. At PM Concepts Marbella we work with the number 1 rental company in Marbella, and through our partnership we can offer you the best service. This ensures that your property is well managed, from the registration of tenants, the best rental platform with a very high occupancy rate to the maintenance of the property.
Additionally, applying for a rental license is quite simple. You can easily arrange this through your lawyer, giving you one less thing to worry about while you focus on sharing your home with guests. So, if you are planning on renting out your home, make sure you are aware of these new rules. Take your time to understand everything, and if you need any help, don’t hesitate to contact me. Together we can make your rental experience smooth and successful.
Until next time, and I look forward to helping you with all your Marbella real estate needs!
Greetings
Pauline Mulder