As of December 2, 2024, responsibilities for both property owners and real estate agencies will increase. One of the main regulations coming into effect is Royal Decree 933/2021, dated October 26, which establishes strict obligations for document registration and the communication of guest information to the Ministry of the Interior.
This article provides a detailed explanation of how these new regulations impact the management of vacation and short-term rentals, as well as the steps that both property owners and agencies must take to comply. We will also briefly mention Decree-Law 9/2024 from the Generalitat Valenciana, which introduces additional measures. These are explained in detail in our article, 10-Day Rental Limit for Tourist Properties in the Valencian Community.
1. Royal Decree 933/2021: Key Points for Property Owners and Agencies
Royal Decree 933/2021 aims to enhance control and security in the tourism sector through a rigorous system of data collection and communication. The main obligations introduced by this decree are:
1.1. Collection of Guest Information
Property owners or agencies are required to record detailed information about all guests, including:
- Full name.
- Identification document or passport.
- Nationality.
- Check-in and check-out dates.
This information must be available to authorities for a period of three years.
1.2. Data Communication to the Ministry of the Interior
It is mandatory to transmit this information to the Ministry of the Interior electronically before guests arrive. A specific platform has been developed for this purpose, where:
- Data must be accurately uploaded within 24 hours of booking.
- Changes to bookings must also be reported immediately.
1.3. Obligation to Report Pending Bookings Starting December 2, 2024
From December 2, 2024, it will be mandatory to report pending bookings, even if they were made before this date. This change affects both property owners and agencies, requiring stricter oversight of rental management processes.
2. Impact of Royal Decree 933/2021 on the Day-to-Day of Vacation Rentals
2.1. For Property Owners
The Royal Decree requires property owners to:
- Provide agencies with all the necessary information about their properties and bookings.
- Ensure that their vacation rental is properly registered and complies with safety and accessibility regulations.
2.2. For Vacation Rental Agencies
Agencies, like ours, must:
- Collect and process data accurately and securely.
- Ensure the timely electronic transmission of information within the established deadlines.
- Retain the documentation for a minimum period of three years.
These additional tasks have significantly increased our workload, leading us to adjust our commissions to cover the associated costs.
3. Why Have We Increased Our Commissions?
Complying with these new obligations requires investments in several areas:
- Technological Systems. Software tools to manage records and ensure the required communications are properly handled.
- Training. Providing our team with the necessary training to ensure full compliance with legal requirements.
- Administrative Management. Additional processes for collecting, verifying, and storing data.
This adjustment in our rates ensures that we can continue to provide efficient and secure services, protecting our clients from potential penalties for non-compliance.
4. Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with Royal Decree 933/2021 can lead to severe consequences, including:
- Substantial fines. Penalties can reach up to €30,000 for serious violations. HuffPost España
- Suspension of the vacation rental activity.
- Legal issues for both the property owner and the agency.
Therefore, it is crucial to work with a professional agency that ensures regulatory compliance.
5. Related Link: Impact of Decree-Law 9/2024
In addition to the obligations under Royal Decree 933/2021, it’s important to note that Decree-Law 9/2024 of the Generalitat Valenciana has introduced additional measures affecting vacation rentals, such as limitations on the duration of stays. For more details, please refer to our article: 10-Day Rental Limit for Vacation Homes in the Valencian Community.
6. How Are We Preparing for the Changes Starting December 2, 2024?
From this date onward, all bookings, including those made previously, must be reported immediately to the Ministry of the Interior. Our agency is fully prepared to manage this change, ensuring that both property owners and guests comply with all regulations.
7. Conclusion: Professionalizing the Vacation Rental Sector
New regulations, such as Royal Decree 933/2021, strengthen the security and professionalism of the sector. While they pose a challenge, they also ensure greater transparency and trust for property owners, agencies, and tourists alike.
If you have any questions about how these regulations may affect your property, do not hesitate to contact us. At our agency, we are committed to ensuring legal compliance, protecting our clients, and maximizing the profitability of your investment. Together, we can adapt to this new regulatory framework efficiently and hassle-free.