Torrevieja requests the power to investigate and fine illegal holiday apartments
Almost 70% of the homes in the Costa Blanca municipality are classed as non-primary residences
In a bid to regain control over its booming tourist industry, the city of Torrevieja is following in the recent footsteps of Benidorm and Alicante to request powers to inspect and sanction irregular tourist apartments.
With a staggering 69% of its homes classified as non-primary residences, this Costa Blanca holiday hotspot is a hotbed of second-home ownership, and Mayor Eduardo Dolón is determined to ensure that the sector is regulated and compliant with the law.
The mayor is in no way trying to deter holidaymakers and visitors, as tourism is one of the most important industries in the area, but Torrevieja is also a working town with many residents unable to secure affordable housing.
The city's popularity as a national reference point for second-home ownership has created a thriving market, but it also brings its own set of challenges, and the old legislation surrounding holiday lets made it very difficult for the authorities to exercise any control over the rental sector.
However, that’s all set to change thanks to a new law introduced across Spain earlier this year which gives local councils the right to request the authority to initiate disciplinary proceedings for minor, serious and very serious offenses.
This is a game changer, as it allows the authorities at grassroots to investigate any illegal rentals in their own backyards, weed out the unregistered and unlicensed landlords and ultimately dole out hefty fines to lawbreakers.
In contrast, the old law, passed in 2018, reserved powers related to verification, surveillance and control of tourism regulations to the regional government, in this case, the Generalitat Valenciana.
By taking this approach, Mayor Dolón says, Torrevieja is sending a clear message that it’s committed to providing the very best housing market for residents and visitors alike.
In other news: Alicante bans the use of key boxes in tourist rentals
Image: Ximonic via Wikimedia Commons
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