Are Short Term Rentals Allowed in Barcelona?

By Anna Duncan

Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, attracting millions of visitors every year. With its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and sunny beaches, it’s no wonder that travelers from all over the world flock to this vibrant city.

However, with the rise of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway, many cities have been struggling to balance the benefits of tourism with the negative effects on local communities. So what is the situation in Barcelona Are short-term rentals allowed in this city

The Legal Framework

In 2014, the government of Catalonia passed a law regulating tourist apartments that required owners to obtain a license from their local council before renting their property for less than 31 days. This law was aimed at curbing the negative effects of mass tourism on local housing markets and communities. However, in 2019, the Spanish Supreme Court ruled that this law was unconstitutional and gave local councils more power to regulate short-term rentals.

The Current Situation

As a result of this ruling, each municipality in Catalonia has been given the power to regulate short-term rentals according to their own needs and circumstances. In Barcelona, this means that different neighborhoods have different rules regarding tourist apartments.

In general, if you own a property in Barcelona and want to rent it out for less than 31 days, you will need to obtain a license from your local council. However, there are some areas where tourist apartments are completely banned or heavily restricted. For example:

  • The Gothic Quarter
  • El Raval
  • La Barceloneta
  • Sant Antoni

In these areas, new licenses for tourist apartments are not being granted, and existing licenses are being revoked. This is because these neighborhoods have been particularly affected by the negative effects of tourism, such as rising rents and noise pollution.

The Consequences for Visitors

If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona and are considering staying in a short-term rental, it’s important to be aware of the regulations in your chosen neighborhood. You should always check that the property you’re interested in has a valid license and complies with all local regulations. Otherwise, you could be at risk of having your booking cancelled or facing legal consequences.

It’s worth noting that there are still plenty of options for visitors to Barcelona who want to stay in an affordable and convenient short-term rental. Many areas outside the city center allow tourist apartments, and there are also plenty of hotels and hostels available.

The Bottom Line

Short-term rentals are allowed in Barcelona, but they are heavily regulated according to each neighborhood’s needs. As a visitor, it’s important to be aware of these regulations and ensure that you choose a property that complies with all local laws. By doing so, you can help support responsible tourism and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer.