The island of Tenerife , a jewel of the Atlantic, is one of the most coveted tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year. This constant flow has fueled a booming tourist rental
To operate a Vacation Rental (VV) on the island, it is essential to obtain the Tenerife vacation rental license and comply with the strict Canary Islands tourism regulations . Understanding this legal framework is crucial to avoid penalties, guarantee the safety of your guests, and ensure the successful and sustainable management of your accommodation.
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Before diving into the process of obtaining a vacation rental license in Tenerife, it's essential to understand what legally constitutes a vacation home in the Canary Islands.
The main regulations governing this activity are Decree 113/2015, of May 22, which approves the Regulations for Holiday Homes in the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands , supplemented by Law 7/1995 on the Regulation of Tourism in the Canary Islands and other local provisions.
A Vacation Home is a home that is rented, for a price, furnished and equipped in a condition suitable for immediate use, and is marketed or advertised for tourist accommodation purposes. It's important to note that there are fundamental differences between a seasonal rental and a long-term rental.
While seasonal rentals are governed by the Urban Leasing Law (LAU) for uses other than permanent housing, seasonal rentals are subject to tourism regulations , which entail very different requirements and obligations. Make sure you understand these distinctions to avoid any illegalities. To learn more about the regulations and legalities for your accommodation, visit our specialized section.
Canarian regulations establish that vacation homes can be marketed by their owners or management companies. It is essential that the use be for short-term stays and tourism purposes, which implies specific services and amenities detailed below.
The path to legality begins with meeting a series of requirements that guarantee the quality and safety of the accommodation. These requirements focus on both the physical characteristics of the property and the documentation required for its registration.
To begin the process of obtaining a holiday license in Tenerife , you'll need to submit several documents. The starting point is the Responsible Declaration of Commencement of Tourism Activity .
Submitting the Responsible Declaration provides a series of guarantees to owners who wish to offer their property for tourist rentals, provided all requirements are met. For more information on tourist licenses , visit our section.
The procedure for registering your holiday home in Tenerife is relatively simple, provided all the prerequisites are met. It can be done through the Tenerife Island Council or the relevant department of the Canary Islands Government.
Make sure you have all the documents mentioned above in order and ready to submit. Any omissions can delay the process.
This is the most important step. The Declaration of Responsibility is submitted to the General Tourist Registry of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands. You can do this online or in person, depending on the options offered by the administration. By submitting it, you are declaring under your own responsibility that the property meets all the requirements established by current regulations.
Once you have submitted the Responsible Declaration and verified the documentation, you will be assigned a registration number in the General Tourist Registry of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands. This number is your "license," and you must include it in all your advertising and marketing of the property. It's proof that your tourist rental in Tenerife is legal!
Once you have your license in hand, your responsibilities don't end. Owning a vacation home involves ongoing compliance with various legal and administrative obligations. These are essential for efficient and legal management of vacation rentals
This is one of the most important and mandatory obligations. All Vacation Home owners are required to keep a traveler check-in log and report their guests' information to the National Police or Civil Guard within 24 hours of arrival. Failure to report or delay in reporting can result in substantial fines. To simplify this process and avoid errors, tools like Check-in Scan are essential. Register and report to the authorities in a simple , digital, and automated way.
Income from the rental of your vacation home is subject to tax. You must declare it on your personal income tax return (IRPF) as income from real estate capital or economic activities, depending on whether you offer complementary services. Additionally, vacation homes are subject to IGIC (General Indirect Canary Islands Tax) if you provide additional hospitality services.
You must keep the property in perfect condition, ensure safety (fire extinguishers, first aid kits, emergency exits), and comply with consumer regulations, making complaint forms available to guests. It's crucial to ensure that the information provided to guests is clear and accurate.
Operating a vacation rental in Tenerife without the vacation rental license or in violation of regulations can have serious consequences. The Canary Islands authorities are increasing their vigilance to combat illegal rentals, with increasingly frequent and severe inspections and fines.
Fines for operating a vacation rental illegally in the Canary Islands can range from €3,000 to €30,000, depending on the severity of the violation. In addition to financial penalties, you could face a cease-and-desist order, closure of the rental, and a negative reputation that will affect future business.
Complying with the law not only protects you from fines, but also provides legal security for both you as the owner and your guests. It builds trust, professionalism, and enables long-term sustainable operations. Regulations and legality in the sector are a fundamental pillar.
With so many obligations and requirements, managing a vacation rental in Tenerife can seem overwhelming. However, there are tools designed to simplify your day-to-day activities and ensure compliance, such as Check-in Scan .
Guest check-in is one of the most critical and time-consuming tasks. Check-in Scan automates this process, allowing you to scan ID documents, generate entry forms, and automatically send them to the relevant authorities (National Police, Civil Guard, Ertzaintza, Mossos d'Esquadra). Forget about manual paperwork and drastically reduce the risk of errors or delays in communications, crucial for your holiday in Tenerife .
In addition to registration, Check-in Scan offers:
Simplify your vacation rental management and save time for what really matters: your guests' experience.
A holiday rental license in Tenerife is your passport to legal and successful operation of your tourist accommodation. Although the process requires attention to detail and compliance with Canary Islands regulations, the benefits of operating within the law far outweigh the challenges.
Not only will you avoid penalties, but you'll also build a solid reputation and offer a safe and professional experience to your guests. Remember that tools like Check-in Scan are designed to make your journey easier and automate your obligations. Don't wait any longer to legalize your Vacation Home and take your business to the next level!
