Tips when starting your business
What do I need to supply?
When starting to rent your home, you will want to ensure you have a minimum inventory for guests to have a 5 star experiece. Here is a list with links to help you:
Basic
Beds and Rooms
2 complete sets of sheets (with top sheets and pillowcases) for each bed - we recommend gray: Link
1 duvet and cover for each person (3-4 in total)
1 bath towel + 1 hand towel for each guest, plus one spare - we like the Utopia brand and dark gray color:
1 beach towel for each guest: Link
Pillows - 2 per person or 1 pillow and a cushion
If there is no air conditioning in the room, a fan for each space: Link
Living Room
Sofa cover: Link
Cushions
1 set of bed linen and pillow for the sofa (same links as above)
TV of at least 50 inches: Link
If not smart, an antenna: Link
Bathroom
Hairdryer: Link
Iron: Link
Ironing board: Link
Clothes drying rack: Link
Toilet brush (one per bathroom): Link
Kitchen
Coffee maker, we recommend Nespresso: Link
Dolce Gusto: Link
Plus a regular coffee maker: Link
Kettle: Link
Toaster: Link
Microwave: Link
Cups (at least 2 per person):
Glasses (2 per person):
Cutlery (2 per person): Link
Placemats: Link
Coasters: Link
Cutting knives: Link
Kitchen utensil set: Link
Plates, bowls for 6 people
Pasta strainer: Link
Salad bowl:
Pyrex: Link
Baking trays: Link
Pots and pans
Kitchen towels: Link
Others (Optional)
Smart lock
If the community has an intercom - adapter to open remotely with the intercom: Link
Table with connections: Link
Desk:
Chair: Link
Coffee tables: Link
Terrace furniture:
Folding sun loungers: Link
Can I rent my place as a short term rental?
Here are some questions you want to ask yourself before getting started.
What area is your property located in and what are the legal requirements to let? Depending on local law, you will need to meet different registration requirements. In Andalucia, you need to register for a Touristic Licence (Declaracion Responsable). In addition, you will need to comply with traveler registration requirements. More information on this below.
Is your property part of a community? Do they allow rentals? While most of the communities in Costa del Sol have short-term-rental friendly polcies, some HOAs have started to restrict the activity. While Spanish Property Law (Ley de Propiedad Horizontal) helps property owners use their property as they desire, it is important to understand these limitations ahead of getting started.
What is the Traveler Registration?
The traveler registration is an essential and mandatory process for all hosts of tourist accommodations in Spain, including those hosting through Airbnb or other platforms.
This procedure involves completing a document known as the "traveler form," which must be submitted to the authorities within 24 hours of each guest's check-in.
The primary purpose of this process is to enable the State Security Forces to access an updated database with guests' identification information, as well as their check-in and check-out dates.
To comply with this requirement, hosts must ensure they collect the necessary data from all guests over 16 years old during the check-in process. The completed form, also known as the "traveler record" or "traveler registration sheet," must be meticulously filled out and submitted on time.
Maintaining this record not only complies with current legislation but also ensures responsible and secure management of the accommodation, protecting both the host and the guests.
What is the Traveler Form?
The "traveler form" is an essential document that all hosts of tourist accommodations must complete.
This document must be filled out with detailed information about the guests staying at the property and is crucial for complying with current legal regulations.
When a guest arrives at your accommodation, as a host, it is your responsibility to register their personal data in this form. The required information includes:
Full name
Identification number
Nationality
Check-in and check-out dates
This procedure not only fulfills a legal requirement but also helps the authorities maintain control over who is staying in the country. Once completed, the traveler form must be sent to the competent authorities within 24 hours of the guest's check-in. This ensures that the State Security Forces have access to an updated database of people staying in various types of accommodations throughout Spain.
Additionally, it is important to note that all traveler forms must be kept organized and available for a minimum period of three years. This record can be either digital or physical and must be able to store between 100 and 500 records, facilitating its review if requested by the authorities. This practice is not only a security measure but also promotes transparency and administrative order in the tourism sector.
How long must the traveler forms be kept?
Proper management of traveler forms is crucial not only to comply with the law but also to maintain an orderly and accessible record in case authorities request it.
In Spain, it is mandatory for all lodging establishments to retain the traveler forms for a minimum period of three years.
This obligation extends from the date of the last recorded entry in the document. During this period, the forms must be available for inspection by state security forces and other competent government entities.
This ensures continuous and effective monitoring of guests staying in various types of tourist accommodations.
Is the traveler registration mandatory?
Yes, traveler registration is indeed a mandatory requirement for all hosts of tourist accommodations in Spain.
This obligation is based on the need to ensure citizen safety by providing authorities with control over who is staying in the country at any given time.
Since the approval of Law 4/2013, dated June 4, which amended the Urban Leases Act (LAU), the obligations of vacation rental property owners have been aligned with those of other tourist accommodations.
This means that the registration is mandatory not only for hotels or campsites but also for any form of vacation lodging.
The current legal framework is reinforced by the Citizen Security Law 4/2015, dated March 30, which clearly establishes the need to maintain a detailed record of travelers.
In the event of incidents, such as issues with noise levels or other disturbances, these records are crucial. They enable authorities to address complaints and apply the corresponding sanctions.
What are the risks if I do not register my guests?
Guest registration in Spain is obligatory and must be carried out thoroughly and accurately. Establishments must send this registration to the appropriate authorities, depending on the accommodation's location.
Failure to fulfill this duty can result in financial penalties, varying according to the severity of the infraction. Fines for minor infractions range from €100 to €600, while serious offenses can range from €601 to €30,000.
Additionally, failure to register or incomplete registration could trigger investigations by the Tax Agency.
This situation could lead to legal proceedings against property owners for suspicions of operating illegal tourist accommodations or failing to comply with tax regulations. This could result in severe financial penalties and legal complications affecting the business operation.
It is essential for hosts to ensure proper traveler registration to avoid sanctions and ensure the legality and security of their accommodation and guests.
Which authority should I contact to register guests?
In Spain, the responsibility for guest registration can vary depending on the location of the tourist accommodation, so it is crucial to know which security body to approach.
National Police - Traveler registration in urban areas
For accommodations located in urban areas, registration is carried out through the Webpol platform of the National Police. This digital tool simplifies the registration process, making it more efficient and accurate.
Civil Guard - Traveler registration in rural areas
In rural areas or small towns where the Civil Guard has a significant presence, hosts must use the Hospederías system of the Civil Guard to comply with traveler registration requirements.
Mossos d’Esquadra - Traveler registration in Catalonia
In Catalonia, the Mossos d’Esquadra are responsible for guest registration. Hosts must use the platforms provided by this security body to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Ertzaintza - Traveler registration in the Basque Country
In the Basque Country, the Ertzaintza manages guest registration. Hosts must be familiar with the methods offered by the Ertzaintza, whether digital or in-person, to carry out the registration effectively and legally.
How to register with Hospederías de la Guardia Civil?
Registering with Hospederías de la Guardia Civil is an essential procedure for hosts of tourist accommodations in the areas under this security body's jurisdiction. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to complete this process:
Step 1: Download the registration form
Visit the Hospederías de la Guardia Civil website. On this page, you will find the registration form for hospitality establishments. Download this form and complete it with the required information before submitting it in person.
Step 2: New user registration
After downloading and completing the registration form, go to the nearest Civil Guard unit to your accommodation. You will need to present the filled-out form to obtain your access credentials, including your username and password.
Step 3: Sending traveler forms
Once registered and with the necessary credentials, you can send the traveler forms through the appropriate platform. Ensure to keep these submissions up to date to comply with current legislation and avoid potential penalties.
Step 4: Familiarization with the SES system
Although the current system will be used for submitting traveler forms until October 2024, it is advisable to start familiarizing yourself with the State Secretariat for Security (SES) application. This will become mandatory from that date, so registering and starting to use it will help ensure a smooth transition.
How to register travelers in the Hospederías de la Guardia Civil?
Registering travelers in the Hospederías de la Guardia Civil system is a process that all lodging establishment owners must know and apply correctly. Here are the steps to carry out this procedure efficiently:
Step 1: Access the system
Log into the Hospederías de la Guardia Civil platform using your previously obtained username and password. This platform is accessible through the official Civil Guard website dedicated to hospederías.
Step 2: Fill out the traveler form
Once inside the system, locate the section for traveler registration. You will need to fill out an electronic form for each guest, ensuring all necessary information is included, such as full name, identification number, nationality, and check-in and check-out dates.
Step 3: Submit the form
Review the entered data to ensure its accuracy. Submit the form within the first 24 hours after each guest's arrival. This is crucial to meet legal deadlines and avoid potential penalties.
Step 4: Store records
Save a copy of each submitted traveler form. These records must be stored securely and organized for a minimum period of three years, either in physical or digital format.
Step 5: Update information
Keep the system updated with any relevant changes related to your guests to ensure continuity and accuracy in traveler registration.
How to register travelers in the National Police Webpol system?
If you are a host and your tourist residence is located in an area under the jurisdiction of the National Police, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the traveler registration process through Webpol.
This procedure is fundamental to comply with current regulations and ensure safety. Here is how to carry out this registration step by step:
Step 1: Request registration in Webpol
You must request registration in the Webpol application, which is the official platform of the National Police for communicating guest data. To do this, schedule an appointment at the district police station where your accommodation is located to obtain your access credentials (username and password).
Step 2: Access Webpol
Once you have your credentials, access the Webpol application. Enter the provided username and password to log in.
Step 3: Register guest information
Depending on whether your accommodation is managed individually or has multiple units, the process may vary:
Entire accommodation: Register all guests under the same establishment code.
Partial accommodation: If each unit is managed independently, you will need to register the check-in data for each unit separately.
Step 4: Fill in specific data
Enter the establishment code assigned by the Police. Fill out the form with the detailed information of each traveler, including the file number and the last entry form. If it is your first time, start with file number "1" and entry form "0".
Step 5: Submit and confirm
Once the data is complete, submit the information through the platform. Ensure you receive a confirmation of the submission to guarantee that the registration has been carried out correctly.
Complying with traveler registration is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure safety. Hosts must familiarize themselves with the specific regulations of their area and use the appropriate platforms to carry out accurate and timely registrations, thus protecting their business and contributing to community safety.