Valid reasons for a seasonal rental

Valid reasons for a seasonal rentalare temporary needs that do not make the property the tenant's permanent home, such as a work posting, studies, medical treatment or a temporary housing situation. The contract must state the specific reason for the stay and set a length consistent with that temporary need. (BOE)

Why are many properties now asking for a justified reason?

From 1 July 2025 a single national register was also required to advertise rentals on platforms such as Airbnb, Booking or Vrbo. The Tribunal Supremo (Spain's Supreme Court) struck down that single register in May 2026, but the underlying rule still stands: only properties with a holiday-let licence can be advertised as holiday accommodation.

This has meant a major change for both owners and travellers:

• Owners without a holiday-let licencecan no longer operate as a holiday rental.
• Travellerswho book a property in this situation will have to justify their stay with a non-tourist reason.

As a legal alternative, many properties are now offered as seasonal rentals, provided a valid reason can be shown. More and more owners are choosing to switch from holiday lets to seasonal rentalsin response to this regulatory change. That is why it is increasingly common for guests to be asked to sign a tenancy agreementstating the reason for their stay.

So… what is a seasonal rental?

A seasonal rentalis a legal arrangement designed for stays limited in time (from a few days to several months) that meet a specific needof the tenant other than leisure or holidays.

In this type of rental it is essential to state the reason for the stay in the contract. If the comunidad de propietarios (owners' association) raises objections, it helps to know how to defend a seasonal rental at an owners' meeting.

Valid reasons for a seasonal (non-tourist) rental

Here are some examples of justified reasons that let you use this type of rental:

Work or professional reasons

• A temporary posting for work (projects, building works, campaigns, conferences…)
• A short-term contract in another city
• In-person training, work placements or intensive courses
• Healthcare workers, teachers or civil servants on a posting

Academic reasons

• Master's, Erasmus or exchange students
• Visiting researchers or lecturers
• Students preparing for oposiciones (Spanish public-sector competitive exams)

Medical or family reasons

• Medium- or long-term medical treatment in another city
• Staying with relatives who are in hospital
• Caring for elderly or dependent relatives for a specific period

Between homes

• Renovation work on your usual home
• Waiting for a newly purchased home to be handed over
• A move or temporary accommodation after a separation or divorce

Other justified reasons

• Administrative, legal or consular procedures
• Temporary residence while a visa or residence permit is being processed
• Any specific need not related to tourism

In short…

If you are going to let a property without a holiday-let licence or are thinking of booking one, a seasonal rental with a justified reasonis the legal way to do it.
Both owners and guests must make sure they comply with these rules, sign a suitable contract and justify the type of stay.

At beBalmywe help manage this type of rental professionally and safely: we draw up contracts, advise on how each case fits within the law and make the whole experience hassle-free.

Any questions about this type of rental? Write to us and we will be happy to help through this form, or send us a WhatsApp message.