Short-term rentals remain one of the most popular ways for property owners in Marbella, Estepona, Benahavís, and across Andalucía to generate income. But with updated regulations taking effect in 2025, it has never been more important to understand the rules and requirements before welcoming guests.
Community and Registration Rules
One of the key updates this year is the requirement for prior approval from your Community of Owners before starting tourist rental activity. Communities now have the right to vote on whether to allow, limit, or condition short-term lets, with a three-fifths majority required for approval. If your property was already registered before April 2025, you can continue, but new hosts must comply with these rules.
In addition to community regulations, all tourist rentals must be registered with the Registro de Turismo de Andalucía (RTA) and display a valid registration code in all advertisements. Owners are also responsible for ensuring the property meets strict minimum standards, including climate control, proper furnishings, a first aid kit, and clear house information for guests.
For anyone buying a property with the intention of renting it out, these community approval rules are worth checking before completion, not after. A development where the community has already voted to restrict tourist lets can turn a planned rental income stream into a property that can only be used privately.
Enforcement has also tightened alongside the new rules. Local police and tourism inspectors carry out spot checks on registration codes and minimum standards, and unregistered lets can face fines that quickly outweigh any short-term rental income they were meant to generate.
Guest and Tax Compliance
Compliance doesn’t stop there. Every guest over 16 must be registered with the police via the Hospederías system, while data protection laws require secure handling of guest information. On the financial side, rental income must be declared, with tax treatment varying depending on whether you are a resident or non-resident owner.
Non-resident owners in particular should budget for a materially different tax treatment than resident owners, since deductible expenses and applicable rates are not the same. Getting this wrong is one of the more common and costly mistakes among first-time hosts, especially those managing a property remotely from outside Spain.
For owners in Marbella and Estepona specifically, keeping registration current and community approval on file also protects resale value, since buyers increasingly ask to see proof of a compliant rental history before making an offer on an investment property.
Getting It Right as an Owner
Our new Short Term Rental Owners Guide provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap for property owners. From legal registration to guest management, taxes, and community approvals, it covers everything you need to operate successfully and avoid costly mistakes.
Running a compliant short-term rental may seem complex, but our guide breaks it down into simple, actionable steps. With the right knowledge, you can protect your property, maximise rental income, and provide guests with a safe and enjoyable stay.
These rules sit alongside the wider changes covered in our overview of short-term rental rules on the Costa del Sol, which looks at how the regulatory picture affects buyers considering a rental property rather than existing owners already letting one out.
Download the JUST Short Term Rental Owners Guide today and ensure your property is fully compliant and ready for success in 2025.
Our latest listings
View our latest listings of luxury properties for sale, where sophistication and comfort come together for an exceptional living experience.
3 bedroom penthouse for sale in Buena Vista, Mijas Costa
- 3 beds
- 2 baths
- Interior: 136 m²
3 bedroom ground floor apartment for sale in Buena Vista, Mijas Costa
- 3 beds
- 2 baths
- Interior: 128 m²
5 bedroom villa for sale in Puerto Banus, Marbella
- 5 beds
- 6 baths
- Plot: 650 m²
