Holiday homeowners in Spain will face new restrictions from April 3, as the country introduces strict regulations on rental properties.
Property owners seeking to operate holiday lets in residential areas must now secure approval from local residents, with at least 60 per cent voting in favour.
The significant change to Spain’s property laws, which was introduced on January 1, will affect those planning to start holiday rentals across both mainland Spain and its islands.
The amendment to Spain’s Ley de Propiedad Horizontal (Law of Horizontal Property) will not affect properties that already hold rental licences.
Protests were ongoing across Spain last summer
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The changes come as part of an addition to Section 7.3 of the property law, impacting both mainland Spain and its islands.
The new legislation follows widespread protests across Spain against mass tourism and the proliferation of Airbnb-style rentals.
Local residents have claimed that the surge in holiday lets is driving up house prices in their communities. Demonstrators argue that the growth of short-term rentals is forcing locals out of residential areas.
The protests have taken place across all of Spain during last summer and have led the Spanish government to enforce legislation.
GB News readers have been commenting their thoughts on the ongoing backlash against tourists in Spain.
One user said: “Over the years, British Citizens have contributed enormously towards the Spanish economy via tourism. It’s simple the Spaniards don’t like us, only our money.
“I’m boycotting Spain, let their economy suffer. I encourage UK travellers to do the same, they will be begging us to visit their country again.”
Another added: “That’s it. We have one more holiday booked… so we will be going then, but after that, we will look elsewhere. All this business of visas, fingerprints, photographs, all the extra info at the hotels and then you aren’t made to feel welcome by the locals. Enough is enough.”
The new legislation follows widespread protests across Spain against mass tourism
PA
One commenter was in favour of the decisions recently made by Spain.
They said: “What’s the problem then, they’re not asking for the world,” with another user adding: “I suspect this has been blown out of proportion.”
Spain has been pushing legislation over the course of the last few months following the protests that were seen across the country.
Recently, the Spanish Government has started investigating major holiday rental companies across Spain and the islands to crack down on unlicensed holidays.
