Important changes to the laws around tourist licences in the Valencian region came into force on the 2 August 2024. The changes provide a more tightly controlled regime to regulate the availability of tourist accommodation in the area.

If you are a property owner who rents out your property, or you are considering rental as an option, here is the key information that you need to know.

Three different types of property rentals

There are three types of rentals available in the Valencian region.

• Tourist rental. A maximum of 10 night’s stay per client.
• Seasonal rental. A minimum of an 11 night’s stay, up to a maximum of one year.
• Long term rental. A minimum stay of one year.

We set out below the new rules that apply to tourist rental licences only – that is one stay per client of no more than 10 nights.

1. The licence allows for rental of the entire property only. You cannot rent out a room or an area of the property, even if the area is self-contained. If the property you want to rent out does not have its own unique reference in the Spanish Cadastre (Referencia Catastral in Spanish), then you cannot rent it out.
2. Tourist licences now have a validity of five years. Renewal of your licence must be made at least one month before expiry. Failure to renew in time will result in the licence being cancelled and removed from the rental registry.
3. There are now higher standards of compliance with a new tourist licence which must be met by the latest, August 2025. The most important of these are: (a) Rental properties situated on the 5th floor or above must have access to a lift, (b) A meet and greet service must be in place for arrivals, instead of key boxes which are no longer permitted, (c) There must be guest internet access available and (d) A 24-hour phone service for guests.
4. Tourist licences are now granted to the property owner and not the property. This means a new property owner will have to apply to the town hall for a new five year licence as the property will have been from the tourist rental register.
5. Upon application for the licence, you decide the length of time you want your licence to be active during the year. You cannot rent out your property to the same client for more than 10 nights at any time during the year. Note: Properties must be advertised for rental within two months of the licence being obtained or it may be revoked.
6. If you are part of a community, you will need proof of approval from the community members that they are content with the tourist rental arrangements. This approval will form part of the licence application to the Town Hall. A completed application to the Town Hall does not guarantee that a licence will be granted. In the event of a licence application being refused, the Town Hall must provide reasons as to why the application has been turned down.

Rental for 11 days or more

Opportunities remain for property owners for medium-term rentals, (11 days to one year). The absence of a licensing requirement for ‘seasonal’ rentals means owners can attract guests interested in extended stays that are not classified as tourists. These may include digital nomads, students, and long-term holidaymakers, without the need to navigate the stringent rules governing tourist rentals.

Help with applying for a tourist rental licence.

Sun Lawyers can assist with your application for a tourist rental licence. Email admin@sun-lawyers.com

The information contained in this article is correct at March 2025. This article is for guidance only and is not intended as legal advice. The information included here should not be relied upon and may change at any time. Contact us directly for the most up to date situation on applying for a Tourist Licence.