The new law on short-term rentals: what changes from April 3, 2025

What is the Ley de Propiedad Horizontal?

The Ley de Propiedad Horizontal (LPH) is the Spanish legislation that regulates cohabitation in condominiums and multi-unit buildings. It establishes the rights and duties of owners, how common parts are managed, condominium expenses, and, increasingly in recent years, even theuse of properties for tourist rentals.

Amendment of April 3, 2025: what does the new law say?

On April 3, 2025, an important amendment to the LPH, Article 17.12, which directly affects short-term rentals, went into effect. The law states that:

• In order to allocate an apartment for "vivienda vacacional" activity within a building under horizontal ownership (condominium), it will be necessary to obtain the consent of 60 percent of the owners, who also represent 60 percent of the condominium shares.
• Without such a permit, the community may take legal action to stop the activity, with termination proceedings and possible penalties.

Is the law retroactive?

No, the law is NOT retroactive. This means that the vivienda vacacional licenses already in place will not be affected, as long as they comply with the municipal regulations and regulations in effect at the time of their activation. Those who already have a regular license will not have to worry unless there are serious violations or legitimate protests from the community.

Residential areas: most affected by the new law

The April 3 amendment will particularly affect residential areas, i.e., those zoned as "urban residential land" and not tourist land. This is a key point that many are ignoring-or worse, deliberately misrepresenting.

Areas that will be most adversely affected by the legislation include:

• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Triana, Mesa y López, Siete Palmas and Arenales
• Vecindario and El Doctoral
• Telde, Arucas and Santa Brígida

Southern Gran Canaria, on the other hand, is for the most part classified as tourist land, and therefore not subject to this law. Areas such as Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, Campo Internacional, Puerto Rico, Tauro, and Patalavaca are still considered the safest and most profitable for short-term rentals.

However, with utmost transparency, it is good to specify that some complexes in the south have changed from tourist land to residential over the years. This means that even in the south it is essential to check the zoning classification before buying.

Some healthy controversy: misinformation and psychological terrorism

Over the past few days I have read numerous posts from real estate agents and "professionals" who paint a doomsday scenario for the short rental market in Gran Canaria. Some claim, without distinction, that "the law will affect everyone" and that "no more renting will be possible."

This kind of psychological terrorism is harmful. It is often used to frighten the inexperienced investor and then pose as an "expert" in order to get him or her to buy a property from which to make a commission.

The reality is another: the law only affects properties in residential buildings, on residential land, and does not (in most cases) affect the south of the island. To make people believe otherwise is unfair and counterproductive to the local economy.

Gran Canaria remains a highly profitable destination for tourist rentals, if one acts with knowledge, clear rules and serious professionals.

Advice for those who want to invest

• ✅ Check the zoning classification of the land (residential or tourist)
• ✅ Check the condominium bylaws and whether restrictions already exist
• ✅ Request a zoning certification of the complex before signing
• ✅ Turn to transparent professionals with real experience on the ground