Renting out your property for short-term holiday stays in Spain requires a specific type of contract that differs from standard residential leases. Our free tourist rental contract template for Spain is ready to download in Word format, covers all the legally required clauses and can be customised in minutes.
What is a tourist rental contract?
A tourist rental contract (contrato de arrendamiento turístico) governs short-term accommodation rentals to tourists or visitors for holiday or leisure purposes. Unlike residential leases governed by the Urban Leasing Act (LAU), tourist rentals in Spain are regulated by each autonomous community's own tourism legislation, which means requirements vary significantly by region.
The contract establishes the rental period (typically days or weeks), the agreed price, the number of occupants, the property rules, the deposit, and the cancellation policy.
Key clauses to include in your tourist rental contract
A complete tourist rental contract should cover the identification of both parties (owner and guest), the exact address and description of the property, check-in and check-out dates and times, total price and payment method, damage deposit amount and return conditions, maximum number of occupants, house rules (smoking, pets, noise), cancellation policy, and the tourist licence number if required in your region.
Do you need a tourist licence?
Most Spanish autonomous communities require property owners to obtain a tourist accommodation licence (licencia de vivienda turística or VUT) before renting to tourists. The requirements, fees and restrictions vary widely. Catalonia, the Balearics, the Canary Islands and Madrid all have different registration systems. Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com increasingly require you to provide a valid licence number when listing your property. Penalties for operating without a licence can be significant.
Tourist rental vs residential lease: key differences
A residential lease under the LAU has a minimum duration of 5 years (7 if the landlord is a company) and provides strong tenant protections. A tourist rental has no minimum duration, can be cancelled according to the agreed policy, and is priced per night rather than per month. Tourist rentals are also subject to VAT (IVA) in some circumstances if additional services beyond accommodation are offered.
Frequently asked questions
Is a written contract required for tourist rentals in Spain?
While not always legally mandated, a written contract is strongly recommended as it protects both parties, clarifies expectations, and provides evidence in case of disputes over damage, payment or cancellation.
Can I use the same contract for Airbnb and direct bookings?
Yes. A standard tourist rental contract can be used for both platform and direct bookings. For platform bookings, the platform terms also apply, so your contract should not contradict them. For direct bookings, the contract is your primary legal protection.
What deposit amount is usual for tourist rentals?
A damage deposit equivalent to one to two nights is common for short stays. For longer stays (a week or more), a deposit of 20–30% of the total amount is typical. The deposit must be returned within the agreed timeframe if no damage has occurred.
Do I need to pay VAT on tourist rental income?
Generally, simple property rental for tourist accommodation is exempt from VAT. However, if you provide hotel-like services (cleaning during the stay, meals, reception), the rental becomes subject to 10% VAT. Consult a tax adviser if unsure.
Download your free tourist rental contract now.
Tourist Rental Contract →