Owning a second or third home in Mazarrón or elsewhere in Murcia can be a great way to generate income — whether through holiday rentals, long-term tenants, or a mix of both. But the rules can be complicated, especially if you don’t speak Spanish.
This guide answers the most common questions property owners ask us and explains how Purview Letting & Management can help keep you compliant.
Licences, Registrations & Legal Basics
❓ Do I need a tourist licence to rent my property?
Yes — but only if you rent it out for short stays of up to 30 nights. If a booking exceeds 30 nights, tourist licence rules do not apply (instead, the Law of Urban Leases applies).
You’ll receive a unique Tourist Licence number, which must appear in all adverts.
If your property is in a building with shared elements (like an apartment block), you’ll need approval from your Community of Owners (60% majority).
If your property is on a horizontal division, neighbour approval may still apply even without a formal community (see below).
❓ What is a horizontal division and why does it matter?
In Spain, many properties — not just flats — are legally divided under a “horizontal property regime” (división horizontal).
This doesn’t only apply to apartments. A standalone villa, townhouse, or semi-detached home can also be part of a horizontal division if it shares infrastructure or land (roads, pools, gardens, or underground services).
If your property is under a horizontal division, neighbour approval is required for tourist rentals.
Even without an active Community of Owners, the law may still require you to obtain the consent of other titleholders.
Purview can check whether your property is subject to this regime before applying for a licence.
❓ What is the NRA (Número de Registro de Alquiler)?
This is Spain’s new national rental registry, introduced in 2025.
Every property must be registered to obtain its NRA number.
From July 2025, platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com will require you to display both the Tourist Licence and the NRA number.
Properties without these will be de-listed, and owners may face fines.
❓ What is SES Hospedajes and why do I need it?
SES Hospedajes is the guest and reservation registration system run by Spain’s Ministry of the Interior.
Every booking must be reported within 24 hours of guest arrival.
You must upload each guest’s passport or ID details.
This applies to all holiday rentals, just as it does to hotels and guesthouses.
⚠️ Due to data protection laws, Purview cannot handle guest registrations directly. However, we do:
Register properties on SES Hospedajes, and
Provide access to our trusted partner company, who securely manages guest registrations in compliance with Spanish law.
❓ What about long-term rentals — do I need a licence?
No. For stays of more than 30 nights, you don’t need a tourist licence. Instead, you’ll need a proper long-term tenancy contract under Spain’s Urban Letting Law (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos).
Taxes & Finances
❓ Do I pay tax on rental income?
Yes. All rental income in Spain must be declared.
Holiday lets: treated as business income, subject to Spanish personal tax (IRPF if resident, or Non-Resident Income Tax if not).
Long-term lets: also taxable, but residents can claim deductions (e.g. up to 60% on certain long-term rental income).
Non-residents typically pay 19% tax on gross rental income (24% for non-EU owners), though this is in the process of being changed so non-EU owners pay the same lower rate.
❓ Do I need to charge VAT (IVA)?
Generally no, unless you provide “hotel-like services” such as daily cleaning, meals, or organised excursions.
❓ How do I declare my rental income as a non-resident?
You must file a Modelo 210 tax form quarterly. Purview works with trusted local tax advisors who can help with this process.
Contracts, Tenants & Guests
❓ What’s the difference between a holiday guest and a long-term tenant?
Holiday guest: stays a few nights/weeks, pays upfront, leaves at checkout. Covered by tourist rental laws.
Long-term tenant: stays months/years, has legal rights under Spanish tenancy law, including minimum terms.
❓ What type of contract should I use for long-term rentals?
You must use an official Arrendamiento de Vivienda contract under Spanish law. Key points include:
Tenants’ rights to renew leases (up to 5 years if the landlord is an individual).
Correct handling of deposits and guarantees.
Clear terms on utilities, maintenance, and repairs.
❓ How do I handle problem tenants?
For long-term rentals, eviction can only take place through the courts, which can take several months. For holiday rentals, guests can be removed for breaking house rules, as they don’t have the same legal protections.
Property Standards & Insurance
❓ What standards must my property meet?
For holiday rentals, your property must meet certain requirements, including:
Fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and first aid kit.
Adequate furnishings, utilities, and equipment for guests.
Minimum safety and accessibility standards.
👉 A full list of requirements is issued by the Murcia Tourism Board when applying for the licence.
For long-term rentals:
The property must have a cédula de habitabilidad (certificate of habitability).
Basic services (water, electricity) must be operational.
❓ Do I need public liability insurance?
Yes. For holiday rentals in Murcia, public liability insurance is required by law.
Minimum cover: €300,000.
Must cover personal injury and property damage caused during guest stays.
Proof of cover is often requested during the tourist licence process.
How Purview Letting & Management Helps
Checking whether your property falls under a horizontal division
Applying for the Tourist Licence (if required).
Registering your property for the NRA.
Registering your property on SES Hospedajes.
Providing access to a compliant partner company to manage guest registrations securely.
Drafting and managing rental contracts for both holiday and long-term lets.
Handling maintenance, emergencies, and guest communications.
Coordinating with local tax professionals to keep your income declared correctly.
✅ In summary:
To rent your home in Murcia legally and safely, you’ll need to consider:
Tourist Licence (for stays up to 30 nights).
NRA registration (mandatory nationwide).
SES Hospedajes guest registration.
Neighbour approval in communities or horizontal divisions.
Public liability insurance (€300,000 minimum).
Legally valid contracts.
With Purview managing the process, you can enjoy peace of mind — knowing your property, your income, and your guests are fully protected.