The Draft Law on the sustainable management of tourist housing has been introduced by the Government of the Canary Islands to regulate vacation rental activity in the archipelago. This law aims to establish a sustainable urban, territorial, and tourism model.
Interested persons and entities have until the end of this month to make allegations regarding the law. According to the draft, properties intended for vacation rentals must meet certain criteria such as having a minimum age of 10 years, a first occupancy license, and a minimum surface area based on the number of occupants. Neighbors must also consent to the exploitation of properties for vacation rentals.
The law also specifies requirements for direct road access, the presence of power outlets for emission-free vehicles, and limits on accommodation capacity based on population data. City councils will be responsible for establishing these limits in line with urban planning regulations.
The aim of this law is to address the issue of access to housing in the Canary Islands, which has been exacerbated by an increase in tourism and a lack of housing supply. Rising rental and sale prices have made it difficult for residents to find affordable housing.
However, this Draft Law has been met with criticism from tourism employers and associations who argue that it will lead to the gradual disappearance of vacation homes in the region. They claim that the law imposes strict limitations that make it challenging for municipalities to authorize vacation rentals.
Overall, this Draft Law on vacation rentals in