A new conflict has erupted in Valencia over short-term tourist rentals. Local residents’ associations have called on regional authorities to remove nearly all short-term rental apartments from the official registry. The reason is that most properties lack the mandatory identification code, which has been required since July 2025.
According to activists, out of almost six thousand registered apartments, only about three hundred meet the new requirements. The rest either do not have the required code at all, or use duplicate numbers, raising suspicions of fraud. Activists believe this situation creates chaos in the rental market and makes it harder to monitor the flow of tourists.
Residents of Valencia are concerned that after legislative changes introduced in the summer of 2024, many apartments previously considered residential are now being rented out to tourists without proper oversight. As a result, locals face a shortage of affordable housing, and some entire apartment buildings are turning into mini-hotels. The problem is especially acute in the city center, where tourist numbers remain high year-round.
Associations note that the new rules were intended to bring transparency and compliance with European standards. However, in practice, many apartment owners found loopholes to bypass the requirements. As a result, the registry contains properties that not only lack proper documentation, but also violate urban planning regulations. For instance, some apartments are located in residential buildings where tourist rentals are prohibited by the development plan.
Problems with oversight and consequences for the housing market
The situation is further complicated by the lack of a unified registration approach, which allows unscrupulous landlords to list their apartments on popular platforms without fear of sanctions. This not only undermines trust in the system, but also creates unfair conditions for those who abide by the law. As a result, both local residents and tourists suffer, as they may face unexpected issues during check-in.
Regional authorities have already received a request to revise existing legislation and tighten control over the short-term rental market. Public advocates insist that only those properties which have passed all inspections and received a unique registration number should remain in the registry. They believe this will restore order and ease social tensions in the city.
What’s next for the rental market?
Officials have promised to consider residents’ proposals and audit the current registry. It is possible that in the coming months, thousands of apartments will be removed from the list of authorized tourist rentals. This could reduce the supply on the market, but experts believe it will help return some housing to long-term rentals for local families.
The issue of regulating tourist apartments remains one of the most pressing in Valencia. Residents hope that the new measures will balance the interests of locals and businesses, and make the rental market more transparent and fair.
