Tourist rentals remain one of the most dynamic sectors in Spain — but also one of the most heavily regulated. In cities like Barcelona, Málaga, and Seville, where tourism strongly impacts urban life, local regulations have evolved significantly in recent years.
In this article, we highlight the most important 2025 regulatory changes that directly affect property owners and managers.
1. Mandatory registration at both regional and municipal levels
Since January 2025, all tourist-use homes (VUT) must be registered not only with the corresponding regional registries (Catalonia, Andalusia) but also with specific municipal registries.
- Barcelona: the City Council has launched a new verification system cross-checking cadastral data with rental platforms. Fines for operating without a valid registration number can reach €60,000.
- Málaga: inspections have become stricter, with surprise checks and zoning limits prioritizing residential use.
- Seville: new licenses have been restricted in the historic center, especially in neighborhoods such as Santa Cruz and Triana.
2. Business license and compliance with urban regulations
Simply registering a property is no longer enough. In many areas, an economic activity license is now required, along with meeting technical requirements such as:
- Certified soundproofing
- Emergency exits (in some buildings)
- Minimum accessibility standards
- Updated liability insurance
3. Limit on rental days per year
- Barcelona: a new cap of 90 rental days per year has been introduced for homes without a permanent tourist-use license. The goal is to reduce the impact of tourism on the local housing market.
- Andalucia: while there’s no general regional cap, local councils can enforce limits in high-tourism zones, and several municipalities have already done so.
4. Responsibility of managers and intermediaries
Companies managing properties on behalf of owners now share legal responsibility for compliance. This includes:
- Verifying that each property has a valid license
- Ensuring guests respect community rules
- Informing clients about local regulations
5. Adapting means winning
The legal framework for tourist rentals is increasingly demanding — but it doesn’t have to be a barrier. At Stay U-nique, we ensure every property we manage complies with current regulations, protecting our owners and guaranteeing a safe, legal experience for guests.
Do you own an apartment in Barcelona, Málaga, or Seville and want to rent it out with total peace of mind?
📩 Contact us at partner@stay-u-nique.com and let us take care of everything.