Countryboy1

Can someone tell me please how I go about checking if a particular property is licenced for rental to tourists? I'm assuming there isn't a data base accessible online to the public so would this be information be held by the local town hall and if so, would they be able to pass on this information?
Thanks.

snikpoh

Just ask them for their licence number - if they won't it's not licenced.

It is an offence not to display it on adverts etc.

Smithy73

In the Valencia region it's been taking 7 months from the submission of the application to receiving the actual tourist license.

You are allowed to rent to tourists (according to my lawyer and the architect from the town hall in my area), on receipt of the completed application submission from the architect, whilst you wait for the actual license.

snikpoh

How strange, here I did an online submission, they promised a response by 7th July (2 weeks). My lawyer says they MUST respond within 6 weeks but doesn't think they will be able to due to the large number of applications.

Countryboy1

Thanks for responses. Problem is the owners don't visit, just rent out the main villa and underbuild sometimes simultaneously to separate families for approx' three quarters of the year, not just the main summer period. Obviously therefore, won't have much success asking visitors about any licence. Don't where they advertise and they don't have a property management company just a local Spanish builder and his wife who seem to look after the property.
Suppose we could wait for English visitors (mostly French) and ask how they booked, but that won't really get to the bottom of whether or not it's licenced.
Would still like to know if it's the town hall I should approach please.
Thanks again.

snikpoh

In theory, each guest must be registered with the Guardia so you could ask there.

Fred James

missile

Have you checked on the likely rental sites, e.g. Airbnb, booking.com etc ?

Countryboy1

Thanks Fred, think that's the next step.

Countryboy1

No, will do though. Thought these sites would just offer areas rather than specific properties, but will give it go. Thanks

Countryboy1

Thanks, didn't know that. Can't see many doing it though.

Longlegpete

It is issued by the town hall so they will know, it must also be displayed in the property, our's is on a Valencian Tourist board sign and is in the hall for visitors to see

Countryboy1

Thanks for that, appreciated.

Countryboy1

Update. Well, went to the town hall. Waste of time in summary Told properties for rental should have sign outside on the wall not inside They do not keep any database of licences so they were unable to check. Told I could make a report which be forwarded to Alicante for inspectors to visit, BUT this being in summer time it would be some time before this would be acted upon!
Can't believe town halls don't keep records.

snikpoh

Ours was issued by the Valencian Government in Valencia even though we live an hour away.

I don't think the town hall issue them (but could be wrong) - did ours online.