Seville Cracks Down on Illegal Holiday Rentals with Water Cut-off Threat

In a bold move to address the proliferation of illegal holiday rentals, the mayor's office of Seville, the capital of Andalusia and Spain's fourth-largest city, has announced stringent measures against non-compliant property owners. The initiative, revealed on August 14, 2024, includes the possibility of cutting off water supply to properties that continue to operate without adhering to local regulations.

The crackdown comes in response to a surge in tourism and short-term rentals that has sparked widespread protests across Spain, with residents voicing concerns over being priced out of the rental market. Seville, known for its rich history dating back to Roman times and home to the world's largest Gothic cathedral, has been grappling with the impact of its booming tourism industry on local housing affordability.

According to a source from the mayor's office, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the city has identified 715 apartments that do not comply with regulations passed in 2022. These rules stipulate that holiday rentals above the first floor must have an independent entrance. The mayor's office is actively engaging with the owners of these non-compliant properties.

The scale of the issue is significant, with estimates suggesting that between 5,000 to 7,000 holiday rentals in Seville are operating illegally, while another 8,000 to 9,000 comply with regulations. This proliferation of short-term lets has put pressure on the local housing market, affecting the city's 65,000-strong university student population and long-term residents alike.

To address this challenge, Seville is not only reviewing all holiday apartments but also considering a bill that would ban new licenses for holiday lets in the old town and the picturesque neighborhood of Triana. This move aims to preserve the character of these historic areas, which showcase the city's unique blend of Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles.

Seville's approach aligns with actions taken by other Spanish cities facing similar challenges. Barcelona, for instance, has announced plans to ban all holiday apartments by 2028, while the Canary Islands are enlisting police support to enforce tighter regulations on short-term rentals.

As Seville continues to attract tourists with its world-renowned attractions such as the Alcázar palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and cultural events like the Feria de Abril festival, balancing tourism growth with residents' needs remains a priority. The city's economy, largely based on the service sector including tourism, faces the challenge of maintaining its appeal to visitors while ensuring housing remains accessible to locals.

This crackdown on illegal holiday rentals represents a significant step in Seville's efforts to manage its tourism industry sustainably. As the city known for its flamenco dancing and famous oranges navigates these challenges, the effectiveness of these measures will be closely watched by other tourist destinations grappling with similar issues.