Whether you are a property owner or not, I’m sure you’ve been following the Holiday Let (Vivienda Vacacional) debacle with interest. Since the Canarian Government finally issued regulations back in 2015, Decreto 113/2015, 22nd May after years of an unofficial standoff, the law has been heavily criticized, mainly because it was full of discriminatory clauses that excluded many property owners from exercising their right to legally let their properties under this system, never mind the grey areas that were difficult to interpret and portions that made no sense whatsoever!
A fresh new blow has been dealt to those property owners seeking to holiday let their properties in the Canaries after the glimmer of hope from Decree 113/2015, 22nd of May that would finally allow them to legally let after years of restrictions. Last Wednesday 23rd September, the Canarian Parliament ordered the regional Government to put the above-mentioned law that regulates holiday lets on standby until an agreement can be reached on the definitive text and this motion was approved with 39 votes in favour, none against and 19 abstentions.
As most of you are aware, the subject of holiday rentals in the Canary Islands has been a hot (and sore) topic these past few years due to the fact that it was not properly regulated and in spite of this, the Canarian Government issued elevated fines to those who chose to let their properties out on a short-term basis. Back in May, a decree was hurriedly approved under Decreto 113/2015, 22nd May, and this has created a mix of emotions; relief because progress has been made in regulating this industry and anger because of some of the extremely confusing prohibitions included in this decree.
The Canary Islands are a popular choice when it comes to the purchase of a holiday home. Countless foreigners fall in love with the islands and decide to buy their own place to enjoy with their families in a more private setting instead of booking in at a hotel. Many choose to rent these properties out short-term so that they are not empty while the owners aren’t using them themselves and so that the property pays for itself, generating a small income.
