Blackmarket rentals lose law’s protection in Valencia

APPROXIMATELY 80 per cent of Valencian Community rental properties are unregistered. This is more than in any other Spanish region but the same pattern is repeated throughout Spain and the central government has now decided to take action.  

Legislation has been modified so that owners of unregistered properties are not protected by the Rent Law (LAU).

Only 20 per cent of properties have been registered as tourist accommodation in the Valencia region’s three provinces, according to a regional government census.

Approximately 20,000 are on the Costa Blanca but the remainder, although advertised as tourist accommodation, operate in the submerged economy and the extra income is not declared to the taxman.

Local hoteliers and business people are all for the new measure. “This might not be the best moment but it is normal and correct to register and declare,” said Francisco Rovira, secretary general of the Federacion Alicantina del Comercio.

He was echoed by others.

“My cafeteria is registered, I pay social security for my staff and everything else I’m supposed to,” said Juan Pedro in Villajoyosa. 

“The least I ask is that the same Administration that squeezes me, makes sure that my neighbour has everything in order,” he told the local Spanish media.

Alberto, an Alicantino who lives in Switzerland, saw things differently.

He rents his San Juan apartment to friends and acquaintances. “Yes I admit I’m paid in the black, but I’m not getting rich,” he said.  What I charge pays my rates, community charges and utility bills.”