Royal Decree 1312/2024, published in the BOE on 24 December 2024, establishes an innovative control system for the short‑stay rental market, encompassing tourist flats, seasonal lets and rooms. This regulatory framework, which came into force on 2 January 2025 with effect from 1 July 2025, creates the Single Tenancy Registry and the Digital One‑Stop Shop, with the primary objective of improving sector management and transparency.
Through this measure, access to information is facilitated for both businesses and users, fraud is combated, legitimate short‑term rentals are protected and the proliferation of illegal tourist accommodation is limited, thereby prioritising access to primary housing.
System operation:
The Single Tenancy Registry will be mandatory for all owners of properties intended for tourist rental, seasonal lets or rooms who wish to advertise them on online platforms such as Airbnb, Booking or Idealista. This registry, valid across the European Union, will assign each property a unique registration number that enables geolocation and facilitates administrative control.
Registry validation: Upon application, a provisional code is generated which registrars will validate within 15 days. If corrections are required, these must be resolved within 7 days. The code must be renewed annually, and owners must submit a list of the contracts entered into during the previous year.
The Digital One‑Stop Shop will serve as the central tool for managing and validating these registrations. It will allow platforms to verify registration numbers in real time, preventing the publication of unauthorised listings.
Property platforms:
Online platforms such as Idealista, Booking and Airbnb must require owners to provide their registration number before permitting listings. Additionally, platforms must carry out random checks to verify compliance with the regulations.
Specific requirements by rental type:
- Tourist accommodation: Registrars will verify that the property meets all legal requirements set by autonomous communities, local authorities and homeowners’ association statutes. If all requirements are not met, registration will be denied, preventing its listing on online platforms.
- Seasonal rentals:
- Contracts must justify a specific temporary cause, such as student rentals or transferred workers.
- After 12 months, registrars will review contracts and request supporting documentation.
- If irregularities are found, the code will not be renewed and marketing will be prohibited.
Sanctions:
While a specific sanctions regime is being approved, sanctions and obligations set out in national, regional and local regulations will apply.
The implementation of the Single Tenancy Registry and the Digital One‑Stop Shop represents a fundamental step towards greater transparency and control in the tourist and seasonal rental market across the European Union. With the obligation to register properties and validation of data via online platforms, the aim is not only to combat fraud but also to ensure that rentals comply with current legislation. This system not only facilitates supervision and compliance with legal requirements, but also protects both owners and tenants, promoting a safer and more regulated rental offering.
As property managers at Bgestió, we not only offer a professional service in contract and property management, but also become your allies in resolving any legal, fiscal or employment issues that may arise in your professional and/or personal life as part of our group.
Foto by Ján Jakub Naništa on Unsplash
