Steps to follow for Tourist Rent Registration

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

In case you decided to rent the property as per “tourist rent” (to rent to tourist in very short periods), please, note the following steps to follow:

STEP 1. – Study and verification

This phase goes through the study and verification of the conditions and the possibilities to obtain the tourist license in the property as it follows:

  • Property Documents: Checking the documents of the property as:
    • How is the property registered in the notarial deeds, cadastre and land registry
    • Certificate of habitation or Occupation license
    • Energy Performance Certificate
    • Water and electric connections
  • Certificates from the Town Hall: Obtaining confirmation from the local Town Hall about the adequation of the property to develop tourist license activity.
  • Community of owners: In case of apartments in urbanization, blocks or urban complex, obtaining confirmation from the President/Administration of the Community of Owners that there is not any impediment to develop this activity.
  • Confirmation via technical inspection (architects or technicians) to confirm the property fulfills local construction normative, and tourist rent law.
  • Emergency and evacuation plan

STEP 2.- Registration process

 In case the result of the above searches  concludes that the property has the appropriate legal conditions for the development of tourist use, then there are the following steps to follow:

1.- Registration at the Regional Registry

In order to develop a tourist rental activity, it is necessary to be registered at the regional registry where the property is located. This process will take some months to complete.

2.- Registration at the Central Registry (Registro Unico de alquileres de Corta Duración)

This registration is only needed if you decided to use any of the digital platforms as AirBNB, Homeaway, etc.

This process is more or less rapid but, in order to complete it, it will be necessary to obtain the previous license and registration number from the Regional Registry. So, you cannot complete this process without passing from the Regional Registry.

3.- Notification telephone in Spain

In order to complete both registrations, the Spanish administration will request from you additional notification address, and even a Spanish telephone number for contact.

Other contracts and obligations

If you wished to rent your property on Airbnb, you need to prepare certain documents and contracts to comply with legal requirements and protect your rights as a host. Below are the key contracts and documents you should have ready:

Short-Term Rental Agreement? Maybe not necessary

 While bookings on platforms like Airbnb are typically handled digitally with these companies.

But, in case you are developing your tourist rent activity out of these platforms, having a short-term rental agreement can formalize the terms between you (the host) and the guest. This agreement should include:

  • Identification of the host and guest.
  • Address and description of the property.
  • Check-in and check-out dates.
  • Rental price and payment terms.
  • Deposit or security fee (if applicable).
  • House rules (e.g., no smoking, no pets).
  • Responsibilities of both parties (e.g., for damages, cleaning).

Note: While not always mandatory, a written agreement can offer legal protection in case of disputes.

Liability Insurance

 It’s essential to have liability insurance specifically for short-term rentals. This insurance will cover potential damages caused by guests to third parties or the property itself. While platforms like Airbnb offer basic coverage, it’s often insufficient for comprehensive protection.

Emergency Evacuation Plan

As result of the architect’s visit, you must be provided with an Emergency Evacuation Plan in order to print it and install it in any of the units rented.

Guest Registration Form

Spanish law requires all short-term rental hosts to register their guests with the police or Guardia Civil. You must:

  • Collect a guest registration form, where every guest over 16 years old provides their personal information and signature.
  • Register the guests in the appropriate system (e.g., https://webpol.policia.es/e-hotel/ or similar systems depending on your region).

Privacy Policy

If you manage guest personal data (e.g., names, IDs, contact details), you must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Including a privacy policy in your communications or agreements can help ensure compliance.

Additional Optional Contracts 

  • Contract with management companies: If you hire a company to manage your property (e.g., cleaning, check-ins), sign an agreement detailing their responsibilities.
  • Maintenance or cleaning contract: If you work with external service providers, formalize the arrangement with a clear contract specifying the service scope and frequency.
  • Manual and instruction plans of whitegoods, aircon, and other elements

Tax implications related to the rental activity

Every quarter/year, it will be necessary to declare and to present quarterly/yearly tax declarations, so, we will help you also with this depending on your personal case.