Seville Cracks Down on Illegal Holiday Rentals with Water Cut Strategy

Landlords in Seville, Spain face tough measures as the city cracks down on illegal holiday rentals. The mayor's office plans to cut off water supply to apartments that do not meet regulations, following a review identifying 715 such properties. The move aims to address rising local discontent over the proliferation of short-term lets, which have driven up rental prices.

In Seville, Spain, landlords who illegally rent their apartments to tourists may soon find their water supply cut off. This stern measure comes as part of a crackdown by the local mayor's office aimed at curbing the spread of short-term lets, which has been causing anger among residents.

The mayor's office announced this week a thorough review of the city's holiday apartments. Properties found to be noncompliant with regulations will face water cut-offs by the state-run water company, Emasesa, if they continue to be rented out. According to a source from the mayor's office, 715 apartments have been identified as noncompliant under the 2022 regulations that require holiday rentals to have an independent entrance if located above the first floor. Discussions are already underway with the concerned property owners.

The surge in tourism and the proliferation of holiday lets have sparked widespread protests across Spain, with local residents being priced out of the rental market. In response, local authorities in hotspots like Seville are implementing stricter controls on illegal listings. The mayor's office estimates that Seville has 5,000 to 7,000 illegal holiday lets, compared to 8,000 to 9,000 that comply with regulations. A new bill in Seville's parliament seeks to ban additional holiday let licenses in the old town and Triana, while cities like Barcelona and regions like the Canary Islands are also enforcing tighter rules.

(With inputs from agencies.)