Disadvantages of Long-Term Renting in Gran Canaria: Why Short-Term Renting is More Profitable and Advantageous: The Reasons You Need to Know
With the new law on the horizon, politicians and a few social real estate gurus want us to believe that renting a property in Gran Canaria, long term is the same in terms of income and peace of mind as renting it out to tourists…..
Lower Yields
1. Lower Rental Rates:
- Comparison with Short Rentals:
Long-term rentals generally involve lower monthly rents than short-term rentals, especially in tourist areas such as the Canary Islands, where short-term rentals can capitalize on high seasonal demand.
- Annual Yield:
Although short rentals may have lulls, during peak seasons they can generate revenues that far exceed those of a long-term stable rental.
2. Limited Increases in Fees:
- Laws and Regulations:
In many places, rent increases are regulated by law, limiting the landlord’s ability to adjust the rent to the growing market.
Less Flexibility
1. Limited Personal Use:
- Availability of the Property:
Once rented, the owner loses the ability to use the property for personal purposes or to host friends and family.
- Sales Planning:
If the owner decides to sell the property, it may be difficult to do so without waiting for the lease to expire.
2. Contractual Binding:
- Contract Duration:
Long-term leases often have minimum durations, making it difficult for the owner to regain possession of the property before the lease expires.
- Restrictive Clauses:
Many contracts include clauses that protect tenants and limit the landlord’s ability to terminate the contract early.
Risk of Morosity
1. Morose Tenants:
- Payment Delays:
There is always a risk that tenants will not pay rent on time, or stop paying rent altogether.
- Legal Costs:
Recovery of unpaid fees may require expensive and time-consuming legal action.
2. Difficult Recovery:
- Insufficient Guarantees:
Even with deposits and guarantees, fully recovering the amounts owed can be difficult if the tenant is in financial difficulty.
- Eviction Process:
Evicting a delinquent tenant can be a long and complicated process, subject to laws and regulations that protect tenants.
Damage to the Property
1. Wear and Damage:
- Routine Maintenance:
Tenants may not take as good care of the property as a landlord would, leading to more wear and tear.
- Costly Repairs:
Damage caused by tenants can require significant, expensive, and sometimes uninsured repairs.
2. Lack of Adequate Maintenance:
- Neglected Small Repairs:
Tenants may ignore small repairs or problems, which could worsen over time if not promptly resolved
- Owner's responsibility:
Although contracts may specify tenant responsibilities, the landlord may still need to take action to keep the property in good condition.
Legislation and Regulation
1. Tenant Protection:
- Tenants' Rights:
Laws often offer strong protection to tenants by limiting the actions landlords can take against them, including for nonpayment or damages.
- Obligations of the Owner:
Landlords are required to meet housing standards and may have to invest in improvements or repairs required by law.
2. Legal Disputes:
- Disputes with Tenants:
Legal disputes can easily arise and resolving them can take time, money and resources.
Tenant Management
1. Choice of Tenants:
- Careful Selection:
Finding reliable tenants can be a long and challenging process. An error in selection can lead to significant problems.
- References and Verifications:
Conducting thorough reference and credit checks of tenants is essential, but requires time and resources.
2. Coexistence Issues:
- Conflicts with Neighbors:
Tenants may have problems with neighbors, creating tensions that may require landlord intervention.
- Respect for the Rules:
Tenants may not abide by the rules of the condominium or owners’ association, causing further problems.
Sales Difficulties
1. Real Estate Market:
- Reduced Attractiveness:
A long-term leased property may be less attractive to potential buyers than a vacant property, reducing the number of potential buyers.
- Sale Price:
The presence of tenants can negatively affect the sale price of the property, as new buyers may perceive risks or inconveniences.
2. Contractual Constraints:
- Ongoing Contracts:
Buyers may be discouraged from purchasing a property with existing tenants, especially if contracts include long terms or inflexible conditions.
- Takeover of Contracts:
Conclusion
Renting a long-term property in the Canary Islands can involve a number of disadvantages and issues that must be carefully considered.
It is important to evaluate these aspects in relation to one’s own needs, management and financial capabilities before making a decision, however, the advantage of renting to tourists who pay in advance and leave at a certain date remains unimpeachable, so I suggest not to be beguiled by promises of secure returns and zero worries because a long-term rental is far from it!
So if you really want to invest in real estate for income, you should not buy in the residential areas like Las Palmas or center island but you should invest in the South, in the tourist area where, in spite of what they want us to believe, a property in the right area and well equipped will only generate high and secure income from short or medium term rent.