Malaga is set to enforce new rules limiting holiday rentals in the city, starting this December. The municipal authorities moved quickly to address this issue, adding it as an urgent topic for discussion during a recent urban planning meeting. The city aims to amend its General Urban Development Plan (PGOU) to stop registering new holiday rentals in neighborhoods where these properties make up 8% or more of the residential housing.
The proposal, which has already passed an initial committee vote, will go to the full city council for approval next Thursday. Once approved, the restrictions will be published in the Official Provincial Gazette (BOP) and take effect immediately, imposing a three-year ban on new holiday rentals in the affected areas.
Where the Rules Will Apply
From December, no new tourist rentals can be registered in 43 neighborhoods labeled as “saturated” by city planners. These areas have already exceeded the 8% threshold. Some of the most affected neighborhoods include the historic center, El Ejido, La Merced, Pedregalejo, La Malagueta, and parts of El Palo.
Additionally, another 32 neighborhoods considered “at risk” (where holiday rentals account for 4.53% or more of housing) will face preemptive restrictions if they reach the 8% mark.
The city plans to review these limits a year after the changes take effect, with updates at least every four years, to ensure the policy remains relevant.
Backdated and Stricter Rules for Some
In neighborhoods where the council’s previous restrictions already apply, stricter rules have been in force since February. Any rentals registered after this date that don’t have independent access or utilities separate from the main building will lose their licenses.
Addressing Counter-Proposals and Expanding Regulations
Not everyone agrees with the city’s plan. Opposition groups, such as the PSOE, have suggested even stricter measures, including banning all new tourist flats immediately and removing non-compliant ones within a year. However, the city council argued that such actions could have complex legal consequences and require careful consideration.
The city is also studying the regulation of other tourist accommodations like apartment complexes and hotels. Officials say these reviews aim to strike a balance between tourism and residents’ quality of life, ensuring better access to housing.
Final Steps and Responsibility
Once the new rules are officially approved and published, Malaga’s council will rely on the regional Tourism ministry to enforce the ban. This includes preventing new tourist properties from being registered in restricted areas. The first updates to these rules could come as early as next year, ensuring that Malaga remains vigilant in balancing tourism growth with the needs of its residents.