Understanding the Two Types of Rentals in the Comunidad Valenciana
For rentals Valencia region, there are two legal frameworks that apply to short-term rentals, depending on the purpose and duration of the stay:
Tourist or Holiday Rental (Vivienda Turística – GVA Licence)
This type of rental is regulated by the Generalitat Valenciana (GVA) under Decreto 10/2021.
It applies to short holiday stays of up to 10 nights, for tourism or leisure purposes.
The property must hold a valid tourist licence and comply with all tourism standards, including registration, safety, and guest reporting requirements. Villa Balea has the following licenses ESFCTU00000305700068911400000000000000000VT-452445-A5, Finca Urbana Completa , tourist rental short term with the license number CCAA VT-452445-A
In summary:
- For stays up to 10 nights.
- Purpose: holiday or leisure.
- Regulated by GVA tourism law.
- No deposit to be lodged with GVA.
- You will sign a tourist rental contract.
Seasonal Rental (Arrendamiento de Temporada – Article 3 LAU)
When a stay exceeds the 10-night limit, or when the purpose is temporary but not purely tourist (for example, work, family visit, or medium-term stay), the rental falls under Article 3 of the Spanish Urban Leasing Law (LAU).
This is known as a Seasonal Rental — a temporary, non-residential lease. Villa Balea has : ESFCNT00000305700068911400000000000000000000000000003, non tourist short term rental registration number.
Key features:
- For stays longer than 10 nights (weeks or months).
- Purpose: temporary use, not a permanent residence.
- Governed by Article 3 of the LAU.
- A security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent is required by law.
- This deposit must be lodged with the GVA (Generalitat Valenciana) and is refunded at the end of the stay once the property is inspected.
Summary Table
| Type of Stay | Duration | Purpose | Law | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Rental | Up to 10 nights | Holiday / leisure | GVA (Decreto 10/2021) | No |
| Seasonal Rental | More than 10 nights | Temporary (work, family visit, study) | Article 3 LAU | 1 month’s rent (lodged with GVA) |
Alicante has implemented new regulations affecting holiday rentals to address concerns over housing availability and the impact of mass tourism on local communities. Villa Balea has all the permissions and contracts in place. To comply with the new laws we need to limit the tourist rentals to 10 nights ( see below). For longer rentals there is another set of laws and contract ( also see below).
Some reasons behind new laws.
- Housing Availability: The surge in short-term holiday rentals has reduced the supply of housing available for long-term residents, leading to increased competition and higher housing costs.
- Community Impact: Residents in central areas have reported disturbances due to the proliferation of tourist accommodations, including constant noise and daily parties.
- Regulatory Compliance: A significant number of tourist properties were found to be operating without proper licenses, prompting the need for stricter enforcement and compliance measures.
See tips for 10 days / nights rental
- Travel tips for a 10 night stay
- please see my blog for tips if you want to combine your 10 night stay in Villa Balea with traveling around
