Types of Rental in Barcelona: Tourist, Temporary, and Long-Term

Renting a property in Barcelona can be an excellent long-term asset decision, but choosing the right type of rental is essential to protect the investment, comply with current regulations, and avoid legal risks. Catalan and Spanish legislation clearly distinguishes between tourist rental, temporary rental, and long-term rental, each with very different requirements, limitations, and levels of risk.

Having a thorough understanding of these rental models is key to making informed decisions, especially in today’s rapidly changing regulatory environment.

What types of rental exist in Barcelona and how they are regulated

In Barcelona, the rental market is highly regulated and classifies properties according to their intended use. Not all of the types offer the same flexibility or legal security, and an incorrect choice may result in sanctions, contractual disputes, or loss of profitability.

The three main categories are: tourist, temporary, and long-term rental. Each has a specific purpose and its own legal framework.

Tourist rental in Barcelona

What is considered a tourist rental

Tourist rental is intended for short stays, usually lasting days or weeks, and is aimed at visitors staying in the city for leisure purposes. It is characterized by stays of fewer than 31 days and by offering accommodation similar to that of a tourist establishment.

Tourist license (HUT) and the legal situation in Barcelona

To rent a property for tourist use, it is mandatory to hold a tourist use license (HUT). In Barcelona, the City Council has not issued new tourist licenses for years.

Under current regulations, all existing licenses will expire in 2028, with no possibility of renewal in their current form. This situation makes tourist rental a high regulatory-risk option in the medium term, particularly for owners seeking stability.

Mandatory documentation for tourist rentals

The owner must have:

• A valid tourist license (HUT)
• Certificate of occupancy
• Energy efficiency certificate
• Compliance with all safety and equipment requirements

The guest, as this is a holiday stay, generally only needs to provide identification.

Advantages and disadvantages of tourist rental

Tourist rental can generate high income in prime locations, but it involves higher tenant turnover and increased management costs. It also requires frequent maintenance and depends heavily on the regulatory framework.

How a tourist rental contract ends

The contract ends automatically at the conclusion of the agreed stay, with no right to extension. The owner may freely recover possession of the property.

Early termination only applies in cases of serious breach of house rules, improper use of the property, or damage to the dwelling.

Temporary rental in Barcelona

What it is and when it can be used

Temporary rental is intended for limited stays justified by specific reasons such as work assignments, studies, medical treatment, or particular personal circumstances. It is commonly used by relocated professionals, international students, and expatriates.

Contract duration and justification of temporary use

These contracts typically last between one and eleven months. It is essential that the contract clearly states the reason for the temporary nature of the stay.

Without such justification, the contract may be legally reclassified as a permanent residential lease.

Regulation of temporary rental prices since 2025

After a period without rent control, since late 2025 temporary rentals have been regulated in the same way as long-term rentals in stressed residential areas such as Barcelona. This change has eliminated their main pricing advantage over traditional rentals.

Documentation required for temporary rentals

The owner must provide standard property documentation, including the certificate of occupancy and the energy efficiency certificate. The tenant must justify the temporary reason with supporting documents.

Identification and proof of financial solvency are also required.

Termination and early resolution of temporary rental contracts

The contract ends automatically on the agreed date, with no mandatory extension. Early termination depends on what is stipulated in the contract and may include notice periods and penalties.

If the temporary reason ceases to exist, the contract may be challenged and reclassified as a long-term residential lease.

Long-term rental in Barcelona

What is considered a permanent residential lease

Long-term rental is intended for the tenant’s primary residence and is governed by the Spanish Urban Leases Act. Regional regulations also apply in stressed housing markets.

Legal duration of the contract and mandatory extensions

The minimum legal duration is five years when the landlord is a private individual and seven years when the landlord is a legal entity. Mandatory extensions apply in favor of the tenant, provided contractual obligations are met.

Regulation of long-term rental prices in Barcelona

In Barcelona, long-term rental prices are generally subject to regulation. They must comply with the reference indexes established by current legislation.

Exception: new-build properties less than 5 years old

If the property is part of a new-build development and less than five years have passed since completion, rent control does not apply. The owner may freely set the initial rent.

Once this five-year period has elapsed, the rent becomes subject to legal limits and cannot be increased freely.

Rights and obligations of landlord and tenant

The owner must provide the certificate of occupancy and the energy efficiency certificate. The tenant must prove identity and sufficient income.

In many cases, rent default insurance is required. The legal security deposit is one month’s rent, with the possibility of additional guarantees within legal limits.

How a long-term rental contract can be terminated

The tenant may withdraw from the contract after the first six months with a minimum of 30 days’ notice. The owner may only terminate the contract early in legally defined cases.

These include non-payment, improper use, or justified need to recover the property for personal use.

Quick comparison: tourist vs temporary vs long-term rental

Each rental type offers a different balance between profitability, stability, and regulatory risk. Tourist rental provides higher income potential but significant legal uncertainty.

Temporary rental has lost its pricing advantage following regulatory alignment. Long-term rental offers greater stability, particularly for new-build properties during their initial years.

Which type of rental is most suitable for property owners in Barcelona?

The choice depends on multiple factors, including investment objectives, property age, location, risk profile, and time horizon. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Each property requires an individualized analysis.

Professional advice to choose the right type of rental in Barcelona

If you are considering investing in a property in Barcelona with the intention of renting it out, choosing the appropriate rental model from the outset is essential to secure the profitability of the investment.

The applicable regulations, property type, age, and location directly affect expected returns and risk exposure. Professional advice allows each investment project to be assessed individually.

It helps define the rental strategy that best aligns with financial objectives, enabling you to maximize return on investment, minimize legal risks, and ensure full regulatory compliance from the very beginning.

Thinking about investing in a rental property in Barcelona? Get in touch with us to explore your options.