The Adeje Council have started the process to regulate holiday rentals in the municipality in the south of Tenerife, to address the growing housing crisis that has intensified in the last couple of years.
This decision follows a unanimous vote based on a proposal by Gabriel González, councillor for Podemos-IU, under the title Regulation of Vacation Rental Properties in Adeje.
In his proposal, González highlighted the sharp contrast between the region's thriving tourism sector and the challenges faced by local residents. "The Canary Islands have seen unprecedented growth in tourism.
In 2023, the islands welcomed over 16 million visitors, achieving record-breaking revenues in hospitality. However, this prosperity contrasts sharply with low incomes, poverty, and social exclusion affecting many residents," he explained.
According to data from the Tenerife Cabildo, Adeje currently has approximately 4,800 licenced holiday rental properties. However, a significant portion, about 25%, remain empty or inactive in tourism. González pointed out that this trend has displaced an estimated 10,000 local residents due to the pressure on the housing market.
Learning from Granadilla's Example
The proposal includes exploring the creation of a municipal ordinance to regulate holiday lets, drawing inspiration from Granadilla de Abona, a neighbouring municipality. Granadilla recently implemented measures to protect local families' access to housing, including limiting holiday rental activities to specific property types, such as ground-floor units, apartments with independent access, and standalone homes.
The proposed regulations for Adeje prioritise preserving social housing and properties deemed outside traditional planning rules, ensuring they remain available for residential use rather than tourism.
Balancing Tourism and Local Needs
Adeje's mayor, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga (PSOE), emphasized the need for a balanced approach. “Holiday rentals are here to stay, but we need time to establish appropriate regulations,” he said.
Manuel Luis Méndez, Councillor for Territorial Planning, highlighted that in 2018, only 211 of the 4,746 holiday rental properties advertised online were officially registered. While current registrations now surpass the number of active rentals, Méndez highlighted the ongoing lack of regulation due to the new Housing Law, which leaves landlords vulnerable to squatters when transitioning properties to long-term rentals.
Addressing Population Growth and Housing Needs
Between 2000 and 2011, Adeje experienced a population increase of 11,000 residents, leading to the construction of 1,000 social housing units. To alleviate further housing pressures, the municipality has recently allocated two plots of land for the development of new social housing with affordable rents.
This dual strategy—regulating holiday rentals and increasing affordable housing—is intended to address the pressing issue of housing availability in Adeje while maintaining the economic benefits brought by tourism.
