Changes to the tourism licensing rules took effect on 2nd August 2024

Changes to the tourism licensing rules took effect on 2nd August 2024. Recently, the Valencian Community has enacted Decree-Law 9/2024, which brings significant updates to the way tourist licences are regulated. These updates aim to enforce stricter oversight of tourist accommodation facilities in the region, which will have several important consequences.

The amendments focus on enhancing the governance and administration of the tourism industry. It is vital for all current and prospective licence holders to understand the new requirements and processes involved.

Tourist Licence Changes: Tourist properties can now only be leased for a maximum of 10 consecutive days to the same guest.

Prohibition on Room Rentals: Renting, advertising, or marketing individual rooms in registered properties for tourist purposes is now explicitly banned.

Property Identification: Each tourist accommodation must have a distinct and unique cadastral reference number for its physical identification.

Municipal Compatibility Report: A positive report regarding the property’s compatibility with local urban development for tourist usage must be obtained from the local Town Hall.

Community Approval Needed: A certificate is required to demonstrate that the community’s constitutive title, statutes, or any binding agreements do not restrict use for purposes other than being a permanent residence. All units within a community must secure this certification. If no community exists when applying, the licence will be placed on hold until it is established and the certificate is issued.

Exclusive Use for Tourist Purposes: Properties registered for tourist use cannot be rented out for any other purpose during the officially declared tourist period without notifying authorities. If a property engages in another rental type during this designated period without prior notice, it risks being removed from the tourist register.

Duration of Licences & Renewals: Tourist licences will now be valid for five years, after which reapplication will be necessary.

Mandatory Advertising: Licenced properties must be advertised within two months of obtaining their licences. Failure to comply will lead to cancellation of the licence.

Inactivity Clause: Licences will be void if there is no tourist activity for over one year.

Key Box Ban: The use of key boxes in shared or public areas is no longer allowed; property owners must provide a reception service instead.

Non-Transferable Licences: Tourist licences are no longer transferable with property sales. New owners will need to apply for a new licence.

Energy Certificate Requirement: Properties must possess a valid energy certificate to meet the new regulations.

Additional Guidelines:

For bookings that extend beyond the 10-day limit, current owners who have such rentals confirmed must show evidence that these bookings were made before the introduction of the Decree-Law for compliance. If this cannot be substantiated, the owner may face fines.

Local municipalities now have increased power to limit the number of tourist accommodations in