Barcelona short-term rental laws and regulations

Barcelona has some of the strictest regulations in Europe when it comes to short-term rentals like those offered through Airbnb. These rules have been developed in response to rising housing costs and increasing pressure from local residents and advocacy groups. Here's a list of the key regulations and legal changes in Barcelona:

To legally operate an Airbnb or other short-term rental in Barcelona, hosts must obtain a Tourist License (HUT). However, no new licenses have been issued since 2014. The only way to host legally is to acquire a property that already has this license, which often comes at a premium price. Properties also need a Cédula de Habitabilidad (habitability certificate) that ensures the property meets safety standards. Listings must prominently display their registration number from the Catalan Tourism Registry.

• Limit on Rental Days: For non-resident hosts, short-term rentals are limited to 120 days per year.
• Tourist Tax: Hosts are required to collect a tourist tax from guests, which ranges from €2.70 to €5.25 per person per night, depending on the type of accommodation.
• Documentation: Hosts must provide guests with rental contracts, complaint forms, and emergency contact details.

Barcelona actively enforces these regulations. The city has shut down thousands of illegal listings since 2016 and imposes fines of up to €600,000 for non-compliance. Inspectors monitor platforms like Airbnb and issue penalties for violations.

As of 2024, Barcelona is planning to phase out all tourist rental licenses by 2028. This means that by then, all short-term rentals will be banned, marking a huge shift for property owners who rely on tourist income.

Apart from the tourist tax, rental income is subject to income tax based on residency status. Spanish residents face progressive income tax rates, while non-residents pay a flat rate of 19% (EU/EEA) or 24% (non-EU).

Barcelona's regulations aim to reduce the negative impacts of tourism on the housing market, but they also make it very challenging to operate short-term rentals legally in the city.

Last update Oct, 2024