Tourist Rental License Rentals in Spain: Guide to Comunidad Valenciana & Murcia

What is a rental license and why do you need one?

A rental license is an official permission from the local government that you need to legally rent out your property to tourists. It ensures that you meet certain quality and safety standards, and it helps maintain the balance between tourism and the local community.

Rules in the Comunidad Valenciana (which includes Alicante):

From 2 August 2024, new rules are in force for tourist rentals in the Comunidad Valenciana, which includes the provinces of Alicante, Valencia and Castellón.

Here are the main points:

-Duration of rental: Rentals of 10 days or less are considered tourist rentals and fall under the new legislation. Rentals for 11 days or longer are considered seasonal rentals and fall outside these specific rules.

-Licenses: New tourist rental licenses are valid for 5 years and must be renewed thereafter. Transitional arrangements apply to existing licenses.

-Approval from the Comunidad de Propietarios (owners' association): New applications require a declaration from the Comunidad de Propietarios stating that tourist rentals are allowed. Existing permits from before 2 August 2024 are not covered.

-Full house: It is not allowed to rent out individual rooms; you must offer the entire house.

-Provisions: The property must meet certain requirements, such as an evacuation plan, hot water supply, cooling and heating in the living room or kitchen, and an internet connection.

-In the Comunidad Valenciana, local authorities have the power to limit the number of tourist rental licenses per building, area or zone. This means that in certain parts of Alicante province, new rental licenses may no longer be issued. It is therefore essential to check with local authorities about the specific rules and restrictions that apply in your intended rental area

-Keep in mind that the application may take some time due to many applications and that the application time varies from municipality to municipality

Rules in the Región de Murcia:

In the Región de Murcia, the rules are slightly different:

-Application procedure: The application for a rental license is done through a so-called ‘Declaración Responsable’, a kind of self-declaration. This process is relatively simple and quick.

-Municipal rules: Although there is regional legislation, most municipalities in Murcia do not yet have specific regulations for tourist rentals. This may change in the future, so it is wise to keep abreast of local developments.

-Minimum requirements: The property must have basic amenities such as hot and cold water, electricity, adequate lighting, a working TV and sanitary facilities. Guest damage insurance is also mandatory.

-Approval from the Comunidad de Propietarios: Currently not mandatory (yet), but from 3 April 2025, prior approval is required.

Applying for a tourist rental license in Spain can be complicated. Fortunately, there are specialized lawyers’ legal tutors who can guide you, especially in Alicante and Murcia. They will help with the application, paperwork and compliance. Always choose a reliable expert who is familiar with local laws so you can rent out without worry.

After obtaining a rental licence:

Comunidad Valenciana:

After obtaining the rental license and the corresponding registration number, it is mandatory to hang a plaque at the main entrance of the accommodation stating the category and the registration number. This is intended to provide transparency for guests and demonstrate that the accommodation complies with regional tourism regulations.

Murcia region:

In the Murcia region, it is also mandatory to display certain information visibly in the accommodation. Although there is no explicit mention of a specific plaque as in the Comunidad Valenciana, the contact details of the owner or rental company and emergency numbers must be clearly visible to guests. In addition, it is mandatory to draw up house rules for guests and make them available in the accommodation

For more information or assistance in applying for your license, you can always contact     Bel-Chic Properties. We are ready to support you throughout the process and refer you to the right people.