Planning to rent your property to tourists? In Spain it’s possible — but there are rules. Find out what you need to know to operate legally and safely.
Spain — and especially Costa del Sol — is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. So it’s no surprise that many property owners choose to offer short-term rentals, combining the pleasure of owning a home with real financial return. But be careful: short-term rental in Spain is regulated by specific legal requirements. Ignoring them can lead to fines — or even having your listing removed. At The Lawyers, we help you navigate the process legally and stress-free.
Can I legally rent my property to tourists?
Yes — as long as you meet all legal requirements and register the property with the tourism authority. In Andalusia, this means registering with the VFT (Vivienda con Fines Turísticos) system, managed by the Junta de Andalucía.
Anyone offering their property for short-term tourist use (e.g. via Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.) is legally required to obtain a VFT registration number and meet specific conditions.
What does VFT registration include?
We handle the registration process on behalf of the client, which includes:
- registering the property with the Junta de Andalucía,
- confirming compliance with technical standards (air conditioning, heating, furnishings),
- maintaining a guest registry,
complying with tax regulations, - communicating with local authorities.
Without registration, listing your property on rental platforms is illegal.
What are the owner’s responsibilities?
✔ Property registration – obtaining a valid VFT number is mandatory.
✔ Guest reporting – each guest must be officially registered in accordance with local laws.
✔ Tax compliance – all rental income must be properly declared.
✔ Technical and safety compliance – including ventilation, fire safety, and proper equipment.
✔ Responsibility for guests and property condition.
Doesn’t sound like passive income anymore? That’s exactly why The Lawyers take care of all the formalities — so you can enjoy the results.
What about long-term rental?
Not every investor wants seasonal income. Long-term rental in Spain offers more stability and is regulated by the LAU (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos).
At The Lawyers, we support landlords with:
- preparing contracts,
- handling security deposits,
- overseeing payments,
- managing communication with tenants,
- resolving potential disputes.
A well-prepared rental setup means profit, peace of mind, and full use of your property’s potential. But without legal knowledge, it can quickly become a source of problems.
With us, you can be sure everything is done legally — and your property works for you, not the other way around.
