Fines for Not Registering a Tourist Apartment in Andalusia
Renting without a licence is no longer a “discreet” option. Avoid penalties that could ruin your property investment in Torremolinos.
The holiday rental market on the Costa del Sol is no longer a “no man’s land”. With the entry into force of Decree 31/2024 of the Junta de Andalucía and the new Housing Law, cracking down on clandestine apartments is a priority for the administration. Many owners believe that renting for just a few months, or only to acquaintances, keeps them safe — but the reality is that the fines for illegal tourist rentals in Andalusia are among the harshest in Spain, and if you don’t know how to register your tourist apartment with the Junta de Andalucía, you are at risk.
It’s not just about missing the VFT/VUT licence or failing to meet the VFT/VUT licence requirements in Torremolinos. Nowadays, failing to comply with the mandatory registries is reason enough to receive a tourism inspection notice that could end with your profits being seized.
The cost of illegality: penalties in the VFT/VUT sector
Andalusia’s Tourism Law 13/2011 classifies offences into three levels of severity:
Minor
Up to €2,000
Missing complaint forms or first-aid kit.
Serious
Up to €18,000
Failing to register travellers with the Police.
Very Serious
Up to €150,000
Renting without a VFT/VUT licence.
Why take the risk? We do it for FREE
At Torremolinos Gestión Vacacional we are your legal shield. We have spent more than 7 years processing registrations and protecting Torremolinos owners from inspections. If you entrust us with the management of your property, we take on the risk and the paperwork.
- Free VFT/VUT registration: We process your licence with the Junta and your Land Registry registration at no cost.
- Full-service management at 15% + VAT: No lock-in contract and maximum transparency.
- 10-minute logistics: If there is an on-site inspection, we are at your property immediately.
Inspection and Sanctioning Powers in Andalusian Tourism
The penalty regime applicable to Tourist Use Homes (VUT) in Andalusia is set out in Law 13/2011, of 23 December, on Tourism. Clandestine activity — defined as providing tourist services without the required Responsible Declaration filed with the Andalusian Tourism Registry (RTA) — leads to proceedings that can result in maximum-level financial penalties. With data interoperability between the Tax Agency and the Ministry of the Interior (Royal Decree 933/2021), monitoring of the illegal supply is omnichannel. Professional property management agencies act as compliance bodies, ensuring the property meets the habitability standards of Decree 31/2024 and Torremolinos municipal regulations, mitigating the risk of temporary closure of the establishment and the resulting loss of RevPAR for the investor.
Turn legal fear into immediate savings
We don’t just help you avoid fines — we reward you for professionalising your rental with us:
Automatic Police Registration
Avoid €30,000 police fines. Our Icnea software automatically sends your guests’ data to the Guardia Civil (Hospederías).
Our Own Industrial Laundry
We guarantee you meet hotel-grade hygiene requirements by handling the washing ourselves in Torremolinos.
Permanent Local Assistance
If a Junta inspector knocks on your door, our team arrives within 10 minutes to deal with them in person.
Questions about fines and inspections
Can I be fined if my neighbours report me?
Yes. Neighbour complaints about noise or unregistered tourist activity are the source of most inspections. If you don’t have a VFT/VUT licence and your neighbours alert the Junta, a penalty is almost certain and it is treated as a very serious offence.
Is it true that Airbnb shares my data with the Tax Agency and the Junta?
Absolutely. Digital platforms are required to submit form 179 to the Spanish Tax Agency with all host income and identities. In addition, since July 2025, the platform will block your listing to avoid being penalised itself.
What should I do if I’ve already received an inspection notice?
Contact professionals immediately. At Torremolinos Gestión Vacacional we advise you free of charge to try to mitigate the penalty by urgently bringing the property up to standard and filing the licence online to demonstrate a willingness to comply.
Other legal guides for owners
How to register your home with the Junta
The step before any rental: learn how to get your VFT/VUT licence quickly and legally on the Costa del Sol.
VFT/VUT licence requirements in Torremolinos
Make sure you comply with all the habitability and equipment regulations required by the Junta de Andalucía to avoid closures.
Registering travellers with the Police: is it mandatory?
Know your obligations to the Ministry of the Interior and avoid hefty fines for failing to identify your guests.
Don’t let a fine keep you up at night
Legalise your Torremolinos property today, completely free of charge. Enjoy maximum returns at a 15% + VAT commission with the peace of mind of full legal compliance. Message us on WhatsApp.
Torremolinos Gestión Vacacional | Torremolinos, Málaga
Llevo trabajando con esta empresa desde el año 2022 para la gestión de mi apartamento turístico en Torremolinos y la experiencia está siendo inmejorable. Se encargan absolutamente de todo al 100%: desde el control de las reservas y la atención directa con los huéspedes, hasta la limpieza y el mantenimiento del inmueble. Durante todo este tiempo han demostrado una eficiencia impecable y una total transparencia. El equipo humano es sumamente agradable, atento y profesional, lo que te da una tranquilidad absoluta como propietario. Los recomiendo al 100% sin dudarlo.
Escribo esta reseña porque cuando algo funciona tan bien, hay que decirlo. Tengo un apartamento en Torremolinos centro y desde que lo lleva el equipo de Torremolinos Gestión Vacacional mi vida ha cambiado. Lo que más valoro es que hacen una gestión integral de verdad: se encargan de absolutamente todo. Desde el check-in y la entrega de llaves hasta la limpieza, el mantenimiento y estar pendientes de los huéspedes a cualquier hora. Ana y David son una máquina, están en todo y te dan una tranquilidad increíble porque sabes que tu casa está en buenas manos.
Si tienes una propiedad y buscas despreocuparte por completo, no puedo recomendar más a Torremolinos Gestión Vacacional. Tengo un apartamento en el centro y, sinceramente, es la mejor decisión que he tomado para rentabilizarlo sin volverme loca. Es un alivio saber que ellos controlan todo: desde el posicionamiento en portales y el calendario de reservas, hasta la limpieza a fondo, el mantenimiento y la atención 24/7 a los huéspedes. Son un equipo que funciona como una máquina, muy resolutivos y siempre disponibles cuando surge cualquier imprevisto.
Acabo de empezar con ellos y la verdad que todo muy bien. David atiende siempre de forma rápida, amable y profesional con cualquier duda o problema que pueda surgir, aconsejando en todos los aspectos que necesites. Se encargan de todo y te mantienen informado. Muy recomendables.
Experiencia excepcional en casa de David. Acogida súper cálida y comunicación 10/10 de principio a fin. David es atento, rápido y de una amabilidad increíble, te sientes como en casa desde el minuto uno. El apartamento está impecable, incluso mejor que en fotos: limpio, bien equipado, tranquilo y ubicación perfecta a 5 min de la playa y centro Torremolinos. Como huésped frecuente sé que cualquier propietario que trabaje con David tendrá su piso en las mejores manos.
Magnifique séjour, tout était parfait. L’emplacement est idéal, au cœur de la ville, dans une ruelle très calme. L’hôte est à l’écoute, réactif et toujours disponible en cas de besoin, ce qui rend le séjour encore plus confortable. L’appartement est très bien équipé, on y trouve absolument tout ce qu’il faut pour se sentir comme chez soi. Je recommande sans hésiter !
A wonderful apartment with a beautiful view, managed by wonderful people who are always available and ready to help with anything. Thank you, guys! Our vacation was a success thanks to you. Your hospitality, kindness, and support made our stay truly enjoyable. I highly recommend this place without any hesitation!
Thank you. I am very happy with this apartment, I really liked it. Now I will recommend this place to all my friends.
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