Tourist vs Non-Tourist Rentals in Andalusia: What You Need to Know
When renting a property in Andalusia, the main difference between a tourist and a non-tourist rental comes down to how long the stay lasts:
- Less than 2 months: Tourist rental
- More than 2 months: Seasonal rental
Tourist Rentals
If you plan to rent out a property for short stays (less than 2 months), you’ll need:
- A tourist licence
- NRA (Rental Registration Number)
- An annual rental deposit
Important:
- Tourist licences issued from April 2025 onwards require prior approval from the homeowners’ association. Without this approval, the property cannot be rented for tourist purposes. This is a key requirement if you are planning to buy a property that belongs to a community of owners. Without the community’s authorization, a tourist rental is not allowed.
- Licences granted before April 2025 were obtained without the approval of the community, because at that time it was not required. These licences can be transferred to the new owner without needing authorization from the community.
Note: If you are purchasing a standalone property that does not belong to a homeowners’ association, this requirement does not apply.
Seasonal Rentals
For rentals longer than 2 months (seasonal rentals), the requirements are slightly different:
- NRA (Rental Registration Number)
- Annual rental deposit
- Proof of purpose for the rental: For seasonal rentals, landlords are required to provide documentation showing the reason for the tenant’s stay. Common examples include work relocation, medical treatment, attending a training course, or studying. The documentation should clearly demonstrate that the rental is temporary and tied to a specific purpose. This requirement helps distinguish seasonal rentals from permanent residential leases and ensures compliance with local rental regulations.
Permanent Residential Rentals
If the rental is intended to serve as the tenant’s permanent home, there is no requirement to obtain an NRA (Rental Registration Number) or provide an annual rental deposit. These rentals are considered standard residential leases rather than temporary or seasonal arrangements.
Both seasonal and permanent rentals are governed by the Urban Leases Act (LAU), which sets out the rules and protections for landlords and tenants.
If you need help with your rental property, get in touch with us today.
