HOC helps you do it the right way—so you can relax and rent with confidence.
If you've bought a beautiful apartment or villa on the Costa del Sol, it’s natural to want to make the most of it—either by enjoying it yourself or renting it out when you're not using it. And yes, platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com make it easy to share your home with travelers from around the world.
But before you start accepting bookings, there are a few things to know—especially if your property is in Málaga or Fuengirola, where local laws and tourism rules have changed recently.
At HOC, we help our clients understand what’s possible and how to move forward with peace of mind.
What Is a Vacation Rental (VUT)?
A vacation rental—also called Vivienda de Uso Turístico (VUT)—is a property rented to tourists for short stays. If you're listing your property on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com for less than 30–60 days, this is the category you’ll fall into.
To rent legally, your property must be:
Registered with the Andalusian Tourism Registry
Equipped with specific amenities and safety features
Compliant with guest reporting obligations
Clearly displaying a tourist license number in all ads (e.g., VFT/MA/XXXX)
Vacation Rental Requirements:
Minimum of 14 m² per person
Air conditioning (May to September) and heating (October to April)
Smoke detector and fire extinguisher
First-aid kit, emergency contact info, and complaint forms
Guest identity reported to police within 24 hours
2 bathrooms required if the property sleeps 5+ guests
In some buildings, community approval may be needed
What About Short-Term Rentals?
Short-term rentals are ideal if you plan to rent your property for 1 to 11 months to people who are not tourists—such as remote workers, digital nomads, or temporary residents.
This option has fewer rules and doesn’t require a tourism license.
Short-Term Rental Requirements:
A written lease agreement
The property must meet basic habitability standards (electricity, water, furniture if furnished)No need for air conditioning, police registry, or tourist registrationIncome must still be declared for tax purposes
What’s New in Málaga and Fuengirola?
Málaga:
As of 2025, new vacation rental licenses are banned in 43 central neighborhoods (historic center, La Malagueta, Soho, etc.)
Fuengirola:
Vacation rentals are only permitted if the property has independent access (not through a shared staircase or corridor)Over 600 licenses are currently under review
This doesn’t mean you can’t rent—it just means you need to choose the right model and register it properly. And that’s where HOC can help.
Quick Comparison: Vacation vs Short-Term Rental
| Feature | Vacation Rental (VUT) | Short-Term Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Target Guest | Tourists | Temporary residents (students, workers) |
| Rental Duration | Usually under 30–60 days | 1 to 11 months |
| License Required | Yes – Andalusian Tourism Registry | No |
| Advertising Platforms | HomeCareontheWeb,Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo | HomeCareontheWeb, Idealista, Fotocasa, private channels |
| Registration Obligation | Mandatory | Not required if not for tourism |
| Safety Requirements | AC, heating, smoke detector, fire extinguisher | Basic habitability standards |
| Police Guest Registration | Yes | No |
| Community Approval | Often required (shared buildings) | Not usually needed |
| Local Restrictions | Strong (especially in Málaga and Fuengirola) | Very few if not marketed as tourist rental |
How HOC Can Help
At HOC, we make the rental process simple and secure. Our experienced team works with local professionals to help you:
Check if your property qualifies for a tourist license
Complete the registration process if needed
Explore alternatives like mid-term rentals if vacation rental isn’t the best fit
Stay compliant and informed with the latest regulations
We take care of the details, so you can focus on what matters—enjoying your property and maximizing your return.
Thinking about renting your Costa del Sol property? Let’s talk. We’ll help you do it the right way—no confusion, no stress.
