Documents for Renters: Tourist Rentals in Spain

If you are a renter in Spain and plan to offer or lease a property as a tourist rental, you need to know which documents and licenses to request or keep. This guide clearly explains contracts, identifications, municipal permits and payment records that protect your rights as a tenant. It also indicates when the owner must request a tourist housing license, how to verify registration in regional records and which receipts to store to avoid problems during inspections or complaints. The information here will help you prepare documentation before signing or when receiving guest visits, and guides you to official resources if something is unclear.

Essential documents

Before accepting or validating a tourist rental, check and keep the following documents. Ask for copies and request receipts for any payment.

• Signed lease agreement by owner and tenant, with clear dates and usage conditions.
• Payment receipts: deposit and rent receipts or payment received by the owner, indicating amount and date.
• Tourist license or municipal permit in force authorizing the rental as a tourist use.
• Identification and certificates: copy of the owner’s DNI/NIE, contact details and, if applicable, regional registration of the property.

Municipal procedures and licenses

The obligation to request licenses and comply with regulations depends on regional and municipal rules and on the Urban Leases Act regarding tenant rights and contracts ^[1]. Check at the town hall or regional website whether the property requires specific registration and the registration number that must be shown to the public.

How to handle incidents and complaints

If you find irregularities (no license, unjustified charges, habitability problems), document everything and notify the owner in writing. Keep photos, messages and receipts and request a deadline for resolution. If there is no response, you can file a formal complaint or initiate legal action.

• Document the incident with photos, videos and receipts as evidence.
• Send a written communication (email or burofax) to the owner requesting solution and a deadline.
• Contact municipal consumer services or legal advice for guidance.
• If appropriate, initiate actions at the Court of First Instance or consult eviction and claim procedures ^[2].

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents should the tenant keep?

Signed contract, payment receipts, deposit proof, copy of the owner’s DNI/NIE and a copy of the tourist license if it exists.

Can the owner require a license before renting?

Yes, the property must comply with local regulations; ask for proof of the license and the registration number where it is listed.

What do I do if there is no license or I find irregularities?

Document, notify the owner in writing and contact consumer services or the judicial route if there is no solution ^[3].

How-To

1. Gather all documents: contract, receipts, DNI/NIE and any communication with the owner.
2. Verify the municipal or regional license by requesting a copy or consulting the public registry.
3. Contact the owner and request in writing the correction of the issue or the delivery of missing documentation.
4. If there is no solution, file a consumer complaint or go to the Court of First Instance to assess measures.

Help and Support / Resources

• BOE - Search official laws and texts
• Ministry of Justice - Information on civil procedures
• Poder Judicial - Information on courts

1. [1] BOE - Consolidated text of the Urban Leases Act (LAU)
2. [2] Ministry of Justice - Civil procedures and resources
3. [3] Poder Judicial - Information about courts and actions