The Unique Registry of Short-Term Leases has become an essential requirement for those wishing to rent property for a short period of time. With the publication of Royal Decree 1312/2024 in the Official State Gazette on 24 December 2024, new rules have been established that directly affect landlords and rental platforms.
If you are a host or property manager, or if you are considering offering your accommodation for rent, this article explains what this register is, who should obtain it, how to process it and what the implications of compliance are.
I.- WHAT IS THE SINGLE REGISTER FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS?
The Single Registry of Short-Term Rentals is a mandatory system that assigns a unique rental number or marketing code to accommodation rented for short periods. This is in line with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2024/1028, which makes reporting of short-term rental services compulsory throughout the European Union.
You can read more about this regulation in our article on the new temporary rental law at this link.
Without this unique code, owners will NOT be able to market their accommodation on rental platforms such as Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo and others.
I.- WHAT IS A SHORT-TERM RENTAL?
A short-term rental is one that is not intended as a habitual residence, but rather responds to temporary needs, such as
✅ Tourism or holidays
✅ Business trips
✅ Studies
Medical treatment
✅ Any other reason that does not involve the need for permanent accommodation.
This accommodation must be fully equipped and furnished for the duration of the stay.
III.- DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION AND TOURIST ACCOMMODATION
Royal Decree 1312/2024 distinguishes between two types of accommodation:
– Temporary housing: Rented for a specific period of time for professional, medical, academic or personal reasons. It does not necessarily have to be registered as tourist accommodation. You can check all its characteristics here.
– Vivienda turística: This is intended for tourist accommodation, usually for short periods, and must comply with the regulations of each Autonomous Community. In Madrid, the requirements for tourist accommodation are explained at the following link.
IV.- WHO MUST OBTAIN THE RENTAL REGISTRATION NUMBER?
All natural or legal persons who rent properties on a short-term basis through digital platforms are obliged to register their accommodation and obtain the unique marketing code.
This includes both private owners and companies managing holiday or temporary rentals.
V.- WHAT TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION MUST BE REGISTERED?
The marketing code is obligatory for all furnished rental units, whether they are
✔️ Whole houses
✔️ rooms within a house
✔️ Boats furnished for accommodation
Exceptions: It does not apply to hotels, aparthotels, motels, hostels, campsites or caravan parks.
VI.- WHEN IS REGISTRATION COMPULSORY?
Royal Decree 1312/2024 entered into force on 2 January 2025, but obtaining the code will be compulsory from 1 July 2025. From that date, no rental platform will be able to accept advertisements without this registration number.
VII.- REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING THE RENTAL CODE
To obtain the rental code, the following are required
A unique registration code (CRU) for properties or a vessel identification number (NIB) for boats.
A simple note from the Property Registry or Movable Property Registry
Permits and licences required for rental
Declaration that the accommodation is properly furnished and equipped.
VIII.-WHAT IS THE VALIDITY OF THE REGISTRATION?
– Validity: 1 year from receipt of the code.
The code is assigned automatically when the application is submitted, but is subject to verification by the Registry. It may be revoked in the event of an error.
IX.- HOW TO OBTAIN THE MARKETING CODE?
The procedure can be carried out both online and in person.
From Quikprokuo we can process the registration in the Single Register of Short-Term Rentals that you need.
X.- WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT RECEIVE THE REGISTRATION CODE?
Owners and managers who do not receive the code will be subject to sanctions as they will not be able to advertise their accommodation on rental platforms.
In addition, the authorities may impose fines for non-compliance.
CONCLUSION
The Single Register of Short-Term Rentals is a measure that aims to regularise and make more transparent the temporary rental market in Spain. If you wish to rent out your property on a short-term basis, it is essential that you obtain the Marketing Code before 1 July 2025.
Recommendation: Don’t leave it until the last minute. If you have a property to let, register as soon as possible to avoid any setbacks and to be able to continue offering your property on rental platforms without any problems.
If you need more information or to process your code in the Single Register of Short-Term Rentals, you can contact us here.
