Valencian Community bans key lockboxes for tourist accommodation

In a move to enhance security and regulate tourist accommodations, the Valencian Comunidad has announced new regulations that will include banning lockboxes for key collection and return to address issues of tourist saturation and unlicensed accommodation rentals.

The Valencian Tourism Minister, Nuria Montes, said that the presence of lockboxes, which currently allow visitors to access keys via a code, projects an image of insecurity and lets potential thieves know that tourists are staying in the property.

A comprehensive package of regulations is set to be approved by the Valencian cabinet next week. Key components of this package include:

• Mandatory Registration: All tourist accommodations must register with the Guardia Civil and the National Police. This will ensure that the identities of all guests aged 16 and over are documented.

• Reception Service Requirement: All holiday homes must provide a reception service. While this does not require a physical desk, there must be someone available to verify guests' identities and assist them as needed in person.

• VT Licences Non-Transferable: If a property that has a license for holiday rentals is sold, the licence will expire automatically as it is non-transferable. The new owner will have to re-apply if they want to continue with holiday rentals.

• Prohibition of Butano Gas: The use of Butano gas for heating or cooking in tourist accommodations will be banned. Only electrical appliances or equipment using piped gas will be permitted.

Montes emphasised the importance of these measures in maintaining high standards for tourist accommodation and eliminating illegal rentals. Property owners who do not comply with the new regulations will face prosecution.

"We will show no compassion to illegal renters, which will help calm down residents who feel they are being pushed out of their neighbourhoods," she stated.

Additionally, each local council in the Valencian Community will have the authority to set its own limits on tourist accommodation licenses based on local conditions.

Addressing criticisms, Montes noted that tourist apartments only account for 2.8% of all properties in the province of Alicante, compared to 14% of properties that remain empty. She suggested that other measures should be considered to solve housing access issues, rather than blaming tourist accommodations for all of the problems.

These new regulations aim to strike a balance between supporting tourism and ensuring the security and well-being of local residents and communities.