Marbella is one of the most sought-after destinations on the Costa del Sol, generating great interest in vacation rentals as an investment option. If you own a property in Marbella, converting it into a tourist rental can provide you with a stable source of income, thanks to the high demand from tourists year-round.

In addition to vacation rentals, we will also explore the opportunities offered by short-term rentals, ideal for temporary stays of several months, and long-term rentals, designed for those seeking more permanent housing.

At Welex, a law firm in Marbella, we guide you in the management of contracts and legal compliance for all these rental types, maximizing your investment and ensuring you operate within the regulatory framework. Next, we will explore the features and specifics of vacation rentals, short-term rentals, and long-term rentals:

1. What is a tourist rental in Andalusia?

Tourist rentals are short-term leases offered to travelers or tourists for temporary stays.

This type of rental is characterized by its flexibility in duration, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks, and is primarily found in high-demand tourist areas.

These rentals often include hotel-like services such as cleaning, internet connection, air conditioning, and occasionally additional services like reception or tourist activities. They are commonly advertised on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com.

In Andalucía, to offer a property for tourist rental, you need to meet specific requirements and obtain a specific license, which involves registering the property with the Andalucía Tourism Registry.

It’s important to note that the homeowners’ association can decide to limit, prohibit, or restrict tourist rentals. To implement such restrictions, a vote must be held at a homeowners’ meeting, requiring a qualified majority, meaning three-fifths (60%) of the owners must vote in favor of the restrictions.

If you are interested in renting your property for tourism, Welex can assist you in obtaining your Tourist Rental License and with the taxes in regard of the rental. If the community has prohibited such rentals, you can still rent your property through a short-term or long-term lease.

2. Features of short term rentals Andalusia:

Short-term rentals are a type of temporary lease characterized by a limited duration, usually between one month and six months. They are ideal for individuals who need accommodation longer than a typical tourist rental, such as displaced workers, students on short exchanges, or people between moves.

Unlike tourist rentals, which are typically for days or weeks, short-term rentals are intended for longer stays without the commitment of a long-term contract. They may be furnished and offer additional services but are not as comprehensive as tourist rentals. Conditions and prices are generally more stable than those of tourist rentals.

In Andalucía, no specific license is required for these rentals. If you are interested in setting up a short-term rental, Welex can assist you in preparing the necessary contract.

3. Benefits of long term rental:

Long-term rentals are residential leases with a prolonged duration, generally one year or more, with the possibility of renewal. They are intended for individuals seeking long-term accommodation, serving as their primary residence, thus involving a greater commitment from both landlord and tenant.

For long-term rentals in Andalucía (and in Spain in general), no special license is required. These rentals are governed by the Law of Urban Leases –Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos (LAU)– and are considered residential leases for habitual use, thus not needing additional registration or permits as in the case of tourist rentals.

The primary differences between these rental types lie in the contract duration and rental purpose, as well as the associated services and regulations.

If you are interested in arranging a long-term rental, Welex offers support in managing the necessary contract and provides detailed information about the basic regulations you need to follow. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need further information.