The phenomenon of tourist accommodation, a fundamental pillar of the Flexible Accommodation in Spain, has reached a new institutional dimension. The Plenary of the Congress of Deputies has given the go-ahead to take account of the Proposed Law on measures for residential sustainability and the management of dwellings for tourist use., tabled by the Socialist Group in the European Parliament.
This legislative move marks a turning point, as it seeks to create for the first time a state regulatory framework for an activity that, until now, has been regulated in a dispersed manner by the autonomous communities and town councils. The initiative, which is now beginning its parliamentary procedure, was created with the aim of balancing the development of tourist activity with the protection of the right to housing and coexistence in urban areas.
The Proposed Law is structured around several key axes:
- Regulatory homogenisation: It seeks to establish minimum conditions and requirements for the exercise of the activity of transferring dwellings for tourist use throughout the national territory, providing greater legal certainty for both operators and users.
- Strengthening of homeowners' associations: The law aims to empower residents' associations to regulate the use of common elements and, potentially, to establish limitations on the establishment of tourist accommodation in their buildings, always within the framework of the Horizontal Property Law.
- Creation of a state register: The implementation of a national register of tourist dwellings is envisaged, which would allow greater control and transparency over the existing supply and facilitate the inspection work of the administrations.
This legislative initiative responds to the growing social and political concern about the impact of the Flexible Accommodation in the housing market, especially in the most stressed areas. The parliamentary debate that is now beginning will be crucial in defining the future of a sector that is vital for the tourist economy, but whose growth must be compatible with social and urban sustainability.
The final outcome of this process could redefine the rules of the game for thousands of owners and operators, looking for a model of Flexible Accommodation more orderly, transparent and in harmony with the residential needs of cities.
