More and more property owners are taking advantage of the tourism boom by offering short-term accommodation. If you’re also wondering how to rent a holiday apartment, this guide will walk you through the entire process—legally, safely, and profitably.
Whether you already own a property or are thinking of investing in one, we’ll explain everything you need to know: how to get started, the legal requirements, how to attract guests, and how to delegate management to maximize your earnings.
What Is a Holiday Apartment?
A holiday apartment (or tourist rental) is a property rented to travelers for short periods—typically by the day or week. Unlike traditional long-term rentals, this type of lease is governed by different administrative and tax regulations, and it requires active management.
What Do I Need to Legally Rent a Holiday Apartment?
To legally rent out your apartment as a short-term or tourist accommodation, you must meet certain requirements. While the specific laws vary by region in Spain, these are the general steps:
1. Obtain a Tourist License
This is the most important step. You must register your property as a Tourist Use Dwelling (VUT) with the relevant authority in your autonomous community. For example:
- In the Valencian Community, you must register through Turisme Comunitat Valenciana.
- A responsible declaration (declaración responsable) must be submitted to start the activity.
*Important: You cannot rent out a holiday apartment without a license. Doing so can lead to heavy fines.
2. Meet Technical Requirements
Each region may impose minimum standards, such as:
- Natural ventilation and lighting
- Guest complaint forms available on-site
- Fire extinguishers or emergency signage
- Basic furniture and amenities
3. Register Guests with Authorities
Once you obtain your license, you’ll need to register all guests who stay at your property with the police or Guardia Civil using the Hospederías platform.
How to Rent a Holiday Apartment and Start Earning Income
After legalizing your rental, it’s time to launch your rental strategy:
1. Prepare the Apartment for Short-Term Guests
- Make the space appealing: comfortable beds, clean rooms, tasteful decoration.
- Offer value-adding extras: Wi-Fi, coffee maker, air conditioning, toiletries.
2. List Your Property on Specialized Channels
You can choose from:
- Major platforms like Airbnb, Booking, or Vrbo
- Niche sites focused on local markets—like our platform, which specializes in holiday rentals in La Cala de Finestrat, apartment rentals in Benidorm, and holiday apartments in Villajoyosa, with high traffic and local support.
3. Set the Right Price
Study competitors in your area, adjust based on seasonality, and consider stay duration. Tools like AirDNA or PriceLabs can help optimize pricing.
4. Manage Bookings and Guest Communication
You can do this yourself or outsource to a professional property manager who will:
- Manage calendars and reservations
- Handle cleaning and check-ins
- Offer 24/7 guest support
How to Rent Out My Holiday Apartment Without the Hassle
If you’d rather rent out your holiday home without handling the logistics, we can help. Our platform works with property owners in La Cala, Benidorm, and Villajoyosa who want to earn income without managing the day-to-day.
We assist with:
- Tourist registration
- Publishing your listing on major portals
- Managing bookings, cleaning, and guest support
- Legal and tax advisory
How to Rent a Holiday Apartment Profitably
To maximize your revenue and avoid problems, follow these key tips:
- Use high-quality professional photos
- Proactively manage guest reviews—a bad review can hurt your listing
- Establish clear house rules
- Comply with tax obligations: declare income and apply VAT if required
Tax Requirements for Renting a Holiday Apartment
If you rent out as an individual:
- You must report rental income in your personal income tax return (Modelo 100)
- You can deduct related expenses (utilities, community fees, insurance, etc.)
If you rent professionally or through a business:
- VAT (21%) may apply in some cases
- You may need to register for IAE (Business Activity Tax)
We recommend consulting a tax advisor to determine the most suitable option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I rent my holiday apartment if I don’t live in the city?
Yes. Many people do this by outsourcing the management to professional companies or platforms.
How much can I earn with a holiday apartment?
It depends on location, annual occupancy, and nightly rates. In tourist hotspots like Benidorm or Villajoyosa, earnings can far exceed those from long-term rentals.
Do I need a special insurance policy?
It’s highly recommended. There are tourist rental insurance policies that cover damages, cancellations, and liability.
What’s the minimum stay for a holiday rental?
Most regional regulations allow stays starting from one night, but many owners choose to set a minimum of 2–3 nights.