Municipality in Tenerife regulates vacation rentals, becoming the first in the Canary Islands to do so.
The municipal council of Granadilla de Abona unanimously and definitively approved the first municipal ordinance to regulate vacation rentals on Thursday, February 27. This regulation, which has already completed the legal public consultation period of 30 days, will come into effect 20 days after its publication in the Official Gazette of the Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
In Harmony
Mayor Jennifer Miranda emphasized that this measure is the result of courage and a strong municipal housing policy and strategy, something that Granadilla de Abona has long needed.
According to her, this regulation addresses one of the residents’ biggest concerns:
“Solving one of the greatest challenges faced by the people of Granadilla—the housing crisis and the right to decent housing.”
Miranda also highlighted that Granadilla de Abona is the first municipality in Tenerife to regulate vacation rentals within its competencies. This effort was acknowledged by the Minister of Tourism of the Canary Islands, who recognized the municipality’s initiative as an example and praised the harmony between municipal and regional authorities.
Regulation of Vacation Rentals and the Public Housing Market
The Councilor for Urban Planning, Óscar Delgado, stated that the new regulation aims to balance recognizing the value of vacation rentals while addressing related issues, such as complaints about disturbances and community conflicts.
He emphasized the urgent need to address the housing crisis adequately and stressed that the measures are realistic, effective, and fair, designed to benefit the majority of residents.
According to the ordinance, vacation rental activities will only be permitted in properties that:
- Comply with urban planning regulations and land-use laws
- Possess the required licenses and official authorizations
Vacation rental activities will be restricted to:
- Ground-floor units
- First-floor units with independent access
- Detached homes
Vacation Rentals Are Prohibited in:
- Properties outside the urban planning regulations
- Social housing developments
- Areas classified as ‘high-demand housing zones’
Initiatives for Social Housing
Regarding housing policies, Óscar Delgado highlighted that Granadilla de Abona is the second municipality in the Canary Islands to request that the regional government conduct a study to declare the area as a high-demand housing zone.
Additionally, Granadilla is one of the few municipalities that has formally opposed existing regulations and has actively contributed to intergovernmental cooperation.
Measures Taken
Two municipal plots have been allocated for the construction of 59 social housing units.
Private investment has been encouraged, leading to the creation of more than 300 protected rental homes.
Public funds have been used to purchase vacant properties, which are now offered at affordable rental rates.
With these initiatives, the municipality of Granadilla de Abona aims to alleviate the housing crisis and improve housing accessibility for its residents.
Granadilla de Abona © Photography
Municipality in Tenerife Regulates Vacation Rentals ©
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