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This Is How Madrid Holiday Apartments Shall Be

15/07/2014 – El Economista

The Community of Madrid´s Governing Council has approved the decree on the Tourist Apartments and the Holiday Housing regulation, presented earlier this year but with a small amendment concerning the minimum number of overnight stays, five, compared to the average stays of two nights in hotels.

In fact, an existing law has been updated and a chance given to legalize renting of private properties to tourists which has not been regulated by any norm so far.

Better User Protection?

According to the authority, the changes have been made to protect the rights of the users, to put an end to illegal competition and intrusion and to boost employment.

The Community of Madrid calculates there are between 6.000 and 8.000 holiday accommodations in the region, most of them managed through the Internet. “The new regulation establishes the minimum requirements in order to protect user rights and preserve the impeccable quality of hotel services offered in our area”, said Ana Isabel Mariño from the Emplyment, Tourism and Culture Department.

As she continues, “the law also opens the door for investment and creation of new companies that in turn will contribute to the country´s economic recovery and provide security to investors”.

Definition of a Holiday Home

Property portal idealista.es reminds how a tourist apartment should be like:

1. One-category, entirely rented dwelling (not per rooms).

2. It must be registered in the tourism business registry.

3. It must have a distinguishing nameplate.

4. Prices must be defined and accessible.

5. The price must include information about water supplies, energy sources, air-conditioning, bed sheets, bathrooms and the room cleaning service.

6. The minimum number of overnight stays: five.

7. The start of the activity will be a subject to presentation of a declaration.

8. Holiday house must not be permanently inhabited.

9. It can be located inside a residential block of flats next to other apartments.

10. Each dwelling must dispose of the certificate of fitness for occupation or the first occupancy license.

11. It must be fully furnished, fully-equipped and be in move-in condition. Moreover, it must have a wireless Internet connection.

 

Original article: El Economista

Translation: AURA REE