I have visited Spain a few times now looking for a home and have always wondered whether the Brits I have rented property from have declared that they let or part let.

If they haven't, just see what may be in store

http://www.efip.co.uk/index.php?page...rt&article=219

Yet another way in which Spanish income could be reduced!

I shouldn´t imagine for one minute the majority of them declare

I suspect that a lot don't as we have had difficulty in getting correct forms for registering on the padron the last 2 places we rented, in fact that was the reason we left. We are now renting through a legal agency, and we have full contracts and have had everything so we can register on the padron. Rental agencies are supposed to keep back a portion of the rental for the owners tax, but.... There are many many home owners who do NOT rent their properties out, but who have not filled in tax returns as 'they don't live here' even people I know who DO live here have never done a tax return.

Dont confuse the two things. One is declaring an income from rental for tax purposes, if you are non-resident with property in Spain or resident in Spain with more than one property then it is assumed you do have rental income or you are taxed as if you do. The other is in the cited article in that if you actually do rent out a property it has to be on the letting register.

However, we are NOT tourists but residents, and what difference does that make, the article refers to letting to TOURISTS, and many people just rent here long term as residents, and have no intention of buying as it is often much cheaper to rent.

Never heard of this! Our gestor is usually very particular about making sure we obey the laws and has never mentioned it. Will check with her when we see her next week.

What authorities are they talking about?
If they mean Juntas then each area of Spain will have a different response to this matter.