A couple from Lancashire is facing a legal battle after authorities in Tenerife ordered them to stop renting out their holiday home on Airbnb. The case underscores the increasing crackdown on short-term tourist rentals across Spain, where local governments are tightening regulations to address housing shortages and overtourism.
The Legal Standoff
The couple, who purchased the property as an investment, were shocked to receive a notice from Tenerife’s government declaring their holiday let illegal. Officials cited local zoning laws that restrict short-term rentals in residential areas, a move aimed at preserving housing for residents amid soaring property prices.
Growing Backlash Against Holiday Lets
Tenerife is among several Spanish regions pushing back against the proliferation of Airbnb-style rentals. Popular tourist destinations like Barcelona and the Balearic Islands have already imposed strict limits, and now the Canary Islands are following suit. Critics argue that unchecked holiday lets are driving up rents and displacing locals.
What This Means for UK Investors
Thousands of British homeowners own holiday properties in Spain, many relying on rental income to cover costs. This case serves as a warning that regulations are tightening, and what was once a straightforward investment could now come with legal risks.
The Lancashire couple plans to challenge the decision, but their predicament highlights the precarious position of foreign property owners in Spain’s shifting regulatory landscape.
