Madrid City Hall to limit rent of private homes to tourists

MADRID, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Madrid City Hall wants to control the practice of renting out private homes to tourists, local media reported Wednesday.

By placing a limit of 90 days in a year for those aiming to do so and demanding a license from those intending to rent private property for a longer period of time, authorities hope to gain better control and demand a more professional approach from the sector.

The announcement was made by city mayor Manuel Carmena, saying the demands dated back to the 1997 General Urban Ordinance Plan which had not "been systematically used."

She added a thousand new licenses would be transmitted in the New Year for people looking to rent their flats out for over 90 days in a year, but that there will be fines for those who break the rules.

Barcelona in recent times had experienced serious problems due to landlords renting out flats to tourists, with residents in key tourist areas of the city complaining of noise, drunkenness, vandalism and excessive litter left by groups of tourists.

There have been worries expressed over fire risk in some accommodation, while many who have rented out their flats to tourists without the correct paperwork have attempted to avoid paying taxes. Enditem