A new era begins for the tourist accommodation market in Asturias as regional authorities have passed an unprecedentedly strict decree, completely overhauling the rules for owners and renters of short-term apartments. From now on, every property must meet clear quality and safety standards, and any attempts to bypass the law will be punished not only with fines, but also long-term bans on operations. For many owners, this means they must urgently revise their business approach, while guests receive new guarantees of comfort and transparency.
Oversight and transparency
The main goal of the new measures is to bring order to short-term rentals and protect the interests of both local residents and tourists. Authorities emphasize: the era of shadow business is coming to an end. Now every apartment rented to tourists must have a registration number and include it in all listings, on websites, and in advertising materials. Additionally, owners are required to disclose the exact location of their property to prevent fraud or information concealment.
An important innovation is the mandatory briefing of guests on house rules, usage policies, emergency contacts, and even check-in and check-out times. Authorities require that every property organizes guest reception, either in person or remotely, but without the use of outdoor key boxes. This aims to increase security and eliminate tenant anonymity.
Quality standards
The decree sets clear requirements for the equipment and condition of rental housing. For example, each four sleeping places must have a separate bathroom, and the maximum capacity is limited to eight guests. Every apartment must be equipped with a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, evacuation plan, and have access to the internet or a telephone (where coverage allows). Special attention is paid to soundproofing and the presence of a noise monitoring system — this should reduce the number of conflicts with neighbors.
Owners are required to provide daily cleaning (except for the kitchen and dishes), regularly change bed linens, and provide tourists with information about local attractions. Specific deadlines have been set for meeting all these requirements: one year to renovate bathrooms and increase the living area, and six months for all other changes.
Liability and Sanctions
Violations of the new rules will be punished strictly. If an apartment does not meet the standards, lacks insurance, or breaches safety regulations, its operation may be suspended for a period from six months to four years. Authorities emphasize that inspections will now be regular, and the number of checks has already risen dramatically over the past two years. For diligent landlords, this is a chance to gain legal protection and work within the law; for violators, it poses a real risk of losing their income for years to come.
Special attention is being paid to tackling illegal rentals. Authorities are convinced that only transparent rules and strict oversight can help maintain a balance between the interests of tourists, residents, and businesses. As a result, an improvement in service quality and a reduction in conflicts in residential buildings are expected.
Impact on the market
Experts are already predicting that the new regulations will lead to a decrease in the number of short-term rental listings but will increase trust in legal properties. Owners who are not ready to invest in improving their accommodation may leave the market, while those who remain will benefit from higher standards and greater transparency. For tourists, this means a higher level of service and fewer unpleasant surprises at check-in.
In the long run, the decree could reshape tourism in Asturias, making the region more attractive to families and travelers who value comfort and safety. However, for some property owners, the new requirements will be a serious challenge, especially when it comes to older properties or rural accommodations.
Authorities promise to continue dialogue with businesses and municipalities to consider all the details and avoid extremes. But the overall direction is clear: the priority is quality, safety, and respect for the interests of local residents.
Ximena Llamedo, Vice President of Asturias, has become one of the main driving forces behind the region’s tourist housing reform. Her approach is marked by firmness and consistency: she insists on the need for transparent rules and active market oversight. Thanks to her efforts, a dedicated inspection service was established in the region, and the number of inspections has multiplied. Llamedo believes that only such measures can protect residents’ rights and raise the tourism sector to a new level of quality. Her policies have already brought noticeable changes to the approach to housing rentals and set an example for other regions of Spain.
