The Canary Islands is introducing a new regulatory framework for Viviendas Vacacionales (VV), the local term for holiday rentals. The rules aim to balance tourism with housing for residents. Here are the seven key changes hosts should prepare for now.

What is changing for holiday rentals in the Canary Islands?

The new rules give local councils more control over where holiday rentals can operate, limit new holiday rental construction, require prior authorisation, and set higher quality and sustainability standards. Some details are still being finalised, so check with your local council for updates.

1. What role will local councils play?

Local councils (Ayuntamientos) will decide which areas are suitable for holiday rentals. The goal is to:

• Prevent over-tourism in high-density zones.
• Keep enough long-term housing available for residents.

The zones have not been defined yet, so watch for announcements from your local council.

2. How will new construction be limited?

New buildings will face stricter limits. A maximum of 10% of new buildings may be allocated to holiday rental use. It is still unclear whether this will require a specific permit or be linked to the 10-year minimum property age rule. Stricter restrictions will also apply to "Green Islands," although it has not yet been confirmed which islands fall into this category.

3. Do I need prior authorisation before opening a holiday rental?

Yes. All new holiday rental properties will need approval from the relevant Island Cabildo before they can operate. Properties will also need to comply with upcoming inspection plans.

4. Which areas will be off-limits for holiday rentals?

Properties in the following areas will not be eligible for holiday rental use:

• National parks
• Nature reserves
• Areas of high environmental value

Existing holiday rentals in these areas will not be affected by the new prohibition.

5. What new quality and sustainability standards should I expect?

New requirements are planned to raise the quality and environmental responsibility of holiday rentals. These may include:

• A minimum surface area of 35 m².
• Accessibility for guests with reduced mobility. This is still being defined and may require complex modifications.

The final list of sustainability and quality standards is pending approval.

6. Can I keep operating my existing holiday rental?

Yes. If you already operate a holiday rental, you may continue doing so indefinitely. However, your license belongs to you, not the property, so it cannot be transferred if the property is sold. This differs from the Balearic Islands, where licenses are tied to the property itself.

Property managers may continue managing existing VVs for 5 years, or up to 10 years if their operations comply with the upcoming regulations. This point is still under discussion and may change.

7. What will I need to open a new holiday rental?

If you plan to open a new holiday rental, prepare for the following anticipated requirements:

• A building that is at least 10 years old (under discussion).
• Municipal authorisation from your local council (Ayuntamiento).
• Full compliance with all new safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• A location outside protected or restricted areas.

To stay up to date on these changes, visit the Holidu Help Center and check with your local council regularly.