New Canary Islands Holiday-Let Law approved after fiery Parliamentary clash
The Canary Islands Parliament has approved a new and highly controversial law to regulate holiday lets, following a tense debate that highlighted deep divisions between political parties, homeowners, and the hotel industry.
Tourism Minister Jessica de León said the law was difficult to negotiate but is necessary to bring order to a sector that has grown rapidly in recent years. Supporters of the law claim it protects families who rent out their properties by giving them clear, stable rules.
Opposition parties insist the law will make life harder for residents, especially those living in tourist zones.
The PSOE said the law clearly favours hotel owners and tourist investors. They argue that a better solution would have been to limit the number of properties each owner can rent out. They also believe the law will be repealed once there is a change of government.
Hotel sector vs holiday-rental owners
Outside Parliament, the hotel sector and holiday-rental owners are also clashing. The hotel federation Ashotel welcomed the law, saying it finally creates clear rules for a sector that has grown “out of control”.
But Ascav, which represents holiday-rental owners, called it a “black day” and said the law will mainly harm small homeowners. They warn it could dramatically reduce the number of holiday rentals available across the islands.
What the new law actually does
The key points of the new law are:
- Holiday rentals are now classed as a business activity.
- They will only be allowed in areas where local councils specifically approve them.
- Councils must ensure that 80% of housing remains for residents (90% in major tourist areas and on La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro).
- In high-pressure areas with a shortage of housing, new holiday-let licences will be suspended, although existing ones can continue.
- New applications will depend on each council’s planning rules.
A law that changes the rules, but not the argument
Both sides claim they are protecting local residents, but the fierce arguments inside and outside Parliament suggest that the real conflict is over how the islands should manage tourism, housing, and the balance between residents and visitors.
With councils now responsible for applying the new rules, the coming months will show whether the law brings stability, or creates new problems.
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