Consumer Affairs asks local councils to join investigation of illegal holiday lets

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has called on city councils to assist in an ongoing investigation into unlicensed holiday rental properties operating on social media and online accommodation platforms. This initiative aims to curb the proliferation of illegal accommodation that violate regulatory standards and can result in large fines for owners.

In an official statement, the ministry emphasised that the investigation, which started earlier this month, seeks to identify and address these unauthorised properties being let to holidaymakers.

The ministry has extended this effort to the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), encouraging cities across Spain, , to participate in the crackdown.

Collaborative Efforts:

The initiative follows the Ministry of Consumer Affairs' requests to tourist rental platforms for detailed information on properties operating without proper licensing. The ministry noted that the investigation could be significantly enhanced with data provided by local councils, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts.

"Consumer Affairs places its resources at the disposal of the councils to work together in identifying properties that are not authorised to operate as tourist accommodation," the statement highlighted.

Potential Fines:

The General Directorate of Consumer Affairs, which gained sanctioning authority in 2022, is considering opening cases against these illegal practices. Such cases could be classified as serious infractions, carrying fines of up to 100,000 euros, with potential increases up to four to six times the illicit profit obtained from unlicensed rentals.

In its correspondence with the FEMP, the Ministry of Consumption stressed the significant impact unlicensed holiday homes have on loval environments. The letter highlighted the necessity for cooperation between different administrative bodies to ensure the protection of consumer rights.

The ministry's call to action is aimed at ensuring compliance with regulations and protecting both the interests of legitimate operators and the rights of consumers. With the involvement of local councils, the initiative seeks to create a robust enforcement mechanism to address the issue of unlicensed tourist accommodations comprehensively.