The Junta de Andalusia has been progressively tightening the rules around tourist rental licences. For property owners in Estepona, these changes affect how and whether you can operate a short-term rental. Here is a clear summary of where things stand and what it means in practice.
What has changed
The most significant change is the introduction of stricter requirements for community approval. Properties in buildings with a communal residents’ association now require explicit community consent before a tourist licence can be granted. This has been the case in some municipalities for several years, but the enforcement has become considerably more rigorous.
Additionally, the Junta has introduced minimum standards for properties seeking a licence. These include requirements around safety equipment, energy efficiency certification, and accessibility. Properties that were previously licensed under older, more relaxed criteria may need to demonstrate compliance during renewal.
How this affects Estepona specifically
Estepona’s town hall has been relatively supportive of holiday rentals compared to some neighbouring municipalities. The local economy benefits significantly from tourist accommodation, and the administration has recognised this.
However, the regional regulations apply regardless of local sentiment. Owners in apartment buildings should check their community statutes carefully. Buildings where the statutes were amended to prohibit tourist activity cannot be overridden by individual owners, and any existing licences in such buildings may not be renewed.
The compliance process
For new licence applications, the process involves submitting a responsible declaration to the Junta de Andalusia, along with supporting documentation including the energy certificate, community consent where applicable, and evidence that the property meets the minimum standards.
Processing times vary but typically take four to eight weeks. Operating without a valid licence carries fines that start at 2,000 euros and can escalate significantly for repeat offences. The Junta has increased its inspection activity noticeably over the past twelve months.
What owners should do now
If you already hold a valid tourist licence, review your renewal requirements and ensure your property meets the current standards. If your licence was granted more than three years ago, there may be additional compliance steps at renewal.
If you are considering applying for a licence, start with the community statutes. If the building permits tourist activity, the process is manageable. If it does not, the conversation with your community is the first and most important step.
We handle the full licence application and renewal process for all properties we manage. Owners who work with us do not need to navigate this themselves.