NEWS

Table of Contents

1. General – Why and for what purpose is this new law?
2. What is the "Single Window"?
3. Content of the law
4. Unique Registration Procedure – PROPERTY REGISTER
5. FAQ

General – Why and for what purpose is this new law?
In recent years, the Spanish government has taken measures to regulate the real estate market due to rising property and rental prices. This has led to laws aimed at making housing more accessible to citizens with limited purchasing power.
One of these regulations is Royal Decree 1312/2024 of December 23, which introduces the procedure for the Unique Rental Register and establishes the Digital Single Window for rentals. This decree complies with EU Regulation 2024/1028, which requires member states to create a centralized rental register and a digital platform to monitor short-term rentals.

What is the "Single Window"?
The Single Window serves as the central point for communication, information, and regulation of short-term rental activities in Spain. It collects rental transaction data from digital platforms, linking them to registered owners. This improves transparency and facilitates administrative, legal, and tax supervision.
Owners must declare any changes affecting their rental activities, including ownership modifications, license changes, and variations in accommodation capacity.
The Single Window is under the authority of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda and is responsible for implementing the Unique Registration Procedure, carried out through the Property Register.

Content of the Law
Introduction
The new regulation requires that all rentals advertised on digital platforms, such as Airbnb and HomeAway, must undergo a mandatory registration procedure. This applies to all non-permanent rentals, including tourist rentals, seasonal rentals, student housing, and worker accommodations.

What does "Short-Term Rental Service" mean?
Article 1 of the law defines a short-term rental as any rental for a limited period, whether for touristic or non-touristic purposes, in exchange for compensation. This rule applies regardless of whether the rental is professional or occasional.

Key points of the regulation:
• Only short-term rentals: primary residence rentals are excluded.
• Only accommodations: offices, commercial premises, garages, and storage spaces are excluded.
• Entire properties or individual rooms: room rentals are allowed if permitted by local legislation.
• Must be furnished: only furnished rentals fall under this regulation.
• Compensation required: the rental must involve a payment.
• Includes both professional and non-professional owners.

Exclusions:
• Hotels, hostels, motels, bed & breakfasts, and similar establishments.
• Campsites and caravan parking spots.

Unique Registration Procedure – PROPERTY REGISTER
The regulation requires obtaining a Unique Registration Number (NEU) via the Property Register. Without this number, digital platforms will not allow listing advertisements.

Online Registration Process
Registration is done online through the Property Register website. Owners must subscribe to the service and use a Digital Certificate for authentication.

Required Information:
• Personal information of the owner
• Email address and Spanish phone number
• Property cadastral and registration data
• Maximum tenant capacity
• Type of rental (entire property or rooms)
• Purpose (touristic or non-touristic rental)
• Details of the tourism license (if applicable)

Important Points:
• Spanish phone number required: non-residents must appoint a local representative.
• Maximum tenant capacity: must comply with legal and safety regulations.
• Owner responsibility: any false declaration may lead to legal consequences.
• Required licenses: owners must ensure they have all necessary permits, including a tourism license if applicable.

When does the law come into effect?
The law came into effect on January 2, 2025. Registration is voluntary until July 1, 2025, after which it will become mandatory.

FAQ

1. How long is the registration valid? Does it need to be renewed?
   Once registered, the NEU is permanent. However, owners must update their information in case of any changes affecting the rental.
2. If I have already registered my property as a tourist rental with my Autonomous Community, do I need to register again?
   Yes, if your property is advertised on digital platforms, registration is required under this new law.
3. Do I need to register long-term rentals?
   No. The law only applies to short-term rentals, although voluntary registration is possible.
4. Do I need to register a temporary vacation rental (e.g., two months)?
   Yes, if it is advertised on digital platforms.
5. Do student rentals need to be registered?
   Yes, but only if they are rented through digital platforms.
6. Are unfurnished rentals covered by this law?
   No. Only furnished rentals are subject to this regulation.
7. Do boat rentals need to be registered?
   Yes, but only if they involve accommodation and are marketed digitally.
8. Do garages need to be registered?
   No, unless they are linked to a property intended for accommodation.
9. Do I have to declare my rental income for tax purposes?
   Yes. All rental activities in Spain are subject to taxation, and it is recommended to consult a tax expert.

This new law aims to improve transparency, ensure compliance with housing regulations, and guarantee the safety of property owners, tenants, and digital platforms operating in the Spanish rental market.