Given the current regulatory climate surrounding residential property, legal advisory services for apartment owners have become one of the most valued resources among our clients. This is particularly true in cities under significant housing pressure, such as Barcelona, where legal compliance is both complex and essential.
Many people think that renting out an apartment is as simple as putting it on the market. In reality, there are several preliminary requirements to take into account, including rental modes that require licensing. Sociodemographic changes and lifestyle shifts, such as the growing mobility of students and professionals and the rise of holiday rentals, have gone hand in hand with increasingly strict regulations aimed at safeguarding access to housing for long-term city residents.
Regardless of how effective such measures may be, ignorance of the law is no defence. Many owners approach us only after having received a penalty for non-compliance with the applicable regulations. At Lodging Management, we believe prevention is the best medicine. We have an in-depth understanding of the changing legislation on apartment rentals, and every property we manage is subject to strict controls to avoid costly mistakes. This ensures legal, profitable, and hassle-free operation.
Specialised Legal Advice
Having access to specialised legal advice not only protects you from potential fines but also enables you to make strategic decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information. At Lodging Management, we guide property owners from the outset, assessing which type of rental (month-to-month, holiday, or long-term) is legally permissible in each case, what procedures and licences are necessary, and how to adapt the management of the property to the current regulations while maintaining profitability.
Strict Regulations, Heavy Penalties
Barcelona is one of the most heavily regulated cities in Europe when it comes to holiday rentals. The City Council conducts regular inspections and imposes severe penalties on those operating without the requisite licence or in breach of municipal law. In some cases, fines can exceed €60,000.
For this reason, before letting your apartment by the day, week, or month, it is essential to ensure that the property has a valid licencia turística (tourism licence) if it is to be used for short stays; that the use of the dwelling is compatible with the type of rental you wish to offer; and that all requirements set out by local and regional legislation for habitability, safety, and sustainability are met.
What if you are already renting out your apartment without a licence? Many flats are placed on the market without full knowledge of the legal framework. If this applies to your property, it is important to act quickly: remove the listing from online platforms and seek professional advice from a specialist rental management firm. At Lodging Management, we carefully assess each case and design a plan to reconvert the property into a legal rental, thereby mitigating the risk of sanctions.
Compliance is not only required for tourism apartments. For both long-term and medium-term rentals, it is mandatory to hold a valid cédula de habitabilidad (certificate of occupancy) as well as a Certificado de Eficiencia energética (energy performance certificate), in addition to other documents demonstrating compliance with statutory minimum standards. These requirements are obligatory if you want to sign tenancy agreements lawfully and avoid penalties.
With extensive experience in the comprehensive management of both tourism and medium-term rentals in Barcelona, Lodging Management is well positioned to anticipate regulatory changes and offer owners secure, compliant, and efficient property management. We not only look after your property: we protect it.
