It has snowballed because some statements have been taken and blown out of proportion and misunderstandings have occurred which has then caused an explosion of misinformation and conjecture.

Rosemary

Well yes, it's come as something of a revelation to me. You certainly learn a lot on here and I had no idea about the strict rules in many urbanisations where it's prohibited for family and friends to use someone's apartment.

I was also unaware of the possibility of neighbours informing the authorities if they see different people coming and going from a property. It's not something I had ever considered but it's good to made aware of these things isn't it?

There seem to be a lot of background checks going on too. All this information is useful for people considering buying a holiday home in Spain including the OP of course.

Maybe it should just be clarified that renting without correct licence etc hiding income from property rental is illegal. Simply allowing someone to use your property without payment isn't .

I used to live in Singapore and they had a tendency of dealing with problematic matters head-on... and spot-on.

Too many people renting under the table without doing it officially? All properties are now taxed as if they are rented out... regardless of whether that's the case. Problem solved. Absolutely no incentive to hide anything since you're paying anyway...

Same with this airbnb bullcrap. Not allowed, done and dusted, ZERO holiday lets. Residents can enjoy life as usual without tourists invading their properties and using their facilities...

It's the Ley de Propiedad Horizontal which regulates this. There may be limitations set for common areas, like swimming pools, if it's been put to a vote, but there's also the constitutional right to privacy and family life.

What's more likely is that some neighbour who doesn't like you may start saying your flat is a tourist flat and you're not there or you don't speak the language well enough to defend yourself.