Cordoba Short-Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Cordoba

To legally operate a short-term rental in Cordoba, you must:

• Register your property with the Andalusian Tourism Registry and obtain a registration number. This involves submitting a declaration of tourist use and meeting certain habitability and safety requirements.
• Ensure your property is located in an area zoned for short-term rentals. As of 2024, Cordoba only permits short-term rentals in certain non-residential zones like commercial and mixed-use districts.
• Limit rentals to a maximum of 15 guests per property when rented as an entire unit, or 6 guests if renting individual rooms. No more than 4 beds are allowed per bedroom.
• Provide a 24-hour contact number for guests and submit guest passport details to the police within 24 hours of check-in.
• Meet minimum equipment requirements including air conditioning, heating, a first aid kit, tourism information, and a complaints form.
• Use an official rental contract and provide guests with a copy of your registration number and house rules.

Hosts who fail to comply with the regulations can face fines ranging from €2,000 to €150,000. Enforcement has increased in recent years as the city grapples with the explosive growth of vacation rentals.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirements in Cordoba

To register your short-term rental in Cordoba, you must submit a declaration of tourist use to the Andalusian Tourism Registry. This declaration includes:

1. Proof of property ownership or authorization from the owner
2. A certificate of occupancy demonstrating the property is legal and habitable
3. A floor plan showing room layout and sizes
4. Photographs of the property
5. Proof of liability insurance
6. The property registration number from the land registry
7. The catastral reference number for property tax purposes

Once registered, you will receive a unique registration number that must be displayed in all advertisements and provided to guests. Registration is valid for 5 years and must be renewed.

Cordoba also requires short-term rentals to meet certain habitability and safety standards:

1. Minimum size of 14 sqm per guest
2. Direct ventilation and natural light in all bedrooms and living spaces
3. Air conditioning if rented May-September and heating if rented October-April
4. Adequate furnishings, appliances, and household items for the maximum occupancy
5. A first aid kit, tourism information, and an official complaints form
6. Compliance with all applicable building, fire safety, and accessibility codes

Properties are subject to inspection to ensure they meet these requirements. Failure to comply can result in fines and revocation of the registration number.

Required Documents for Cordoba Short-Term Rentals

To register and operate a short-term rental in Cordoba, you must have the following documents available:

1. Proof of property ownership (title deed, property registry filing, etc.) or a rental contract and authorization from the owner if you are not the owner
2. A certificate of occupancy or first occupancy license demonstrating the property is legal for residential use
3. A detailed floor plan prepared by an architect or draftsman showing room layout, sizes, and intended uses
4. High-resolution photographs of the property, including all bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living spaces, and outdoor areas
5. Proof of liability insurance covering the rental activity, typically with a minimum coverage around €300,000
6. The property registration number from the land registry and the catastral reference number used for property tax filings
7. An official rental contract template that will be used for each booking, including the property details, pricing, dates, and guest information
8. A document with the house rules and emergency contact information that will be provided to each guest
9. If applicable, a certificate from your homeowners association or community of owners authorizing the short-term rental use
10. The official complaints form from the Andalusian Tourism Registry that must be made available to guests

You must keep copies of all required documents, guest contracts, and invoices for at least 5 years. These may be requested by authorities in the event of an inspection or complaint.

It's recommended that you work with a gestor or property manager who is familiar with the short-term rental registration process. They can help ensure you have all the necessary paperwork in order.

Cordoba Short-Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental operators in Cordoba must collect and remit the following taxes:

1. VAT (IVA) of 10% on all rental charges, paid quarterly. This is the standard VAT rate for hospitality services in Spain.
2. Income tax on net rental profits at the applicable marginal rate (19-45% for residents, 24% flat rate for non-residents), less deductible expenses. This is paid annually.
3. Andalusian tourist tax of €2.50 per person per night for a maximum of 7 nights, collected from guests and remitted to the regional government quarterly.

You must register with the appropriate tax authorities and file periodic returns. Detailed records of all transactions and expenses should be kept for at least 4 years.

Hosts earning over €5,500 per year from short-term rentals may also need to register as self-employed and make social security contributions.

Failure to comply with tax obligations can result in significant penalties and legal consequences. It's advisable to engage a local accountant or fiscal representative to ensure full compliance.

Spain-Wide Short-Term Rental Rules

In addition to Cordoba-specific regulations, short-term rentals across Spain are subject to national rules:

1. Properties must be registered with the appropriate regional tourism authority and meet certain standards for habitability, safety, and guest services.
2. Hosts must provide a 24-hour contact number and submit guest passport details to the police within 24-48 hours of check-in.
3. All properties must have a complaints form, house rules, and emergency information available to guests.
4. Rentals are limited to a maximum of 4 guests per bedroom, with additional restrictions on maximum property capacity in some regions.
5. Hosts must collect and remit VAT (10%) and income tax on their rental earnings, as well as any applicable regional tourist taxes.
6. In some areas, short-term rentals may be prohibited or restricted in certain neighborhoods or buildings to preserve housing for residents. This is determined by local zoning rules.
7. Many regions require short-term rentals to have a specific type of insurance covering guest injuries and damages.

Compliance with these national standards is required in addition to local regulations. Fines for non-compliance can be substantial, up to €600,000 in some cases.

Does Cordoba Strictly Enforce Short-Term Rental Rules?

Based on host experiences shared in online forums, Cordoba has become increasingly strict in enforcing short-term rental regulations in recent years.

The city has dedicated significant resources to inspections and fines, with a focus on unlicensed rentals and those causing nuisances for neighbors. Complaints from residents about noise, parties, and housing availability have put pressure on officials to crack down.

One Airbnb host on Reddit reported receiving a €30,000 fine for renting without a license, stating "Cordoba is really not messing around with the rules anymore. Get legal or get out."

Compared to some other Spanish cities, Cordoba is considered one of the riskier places to operate due to the restrictive zoning rules and active enforcement. Hosts are strongly advised to comply fully with all requirements.

However, the city does continue to have a significant number of active listings, around 1,980 in 2022. This suggests that compliance is possible, but requires diligence and attention to the legal obligations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cordoba

To start a short-term rental business in Cordoba, follow these steps:

1. Confirm your property is located in an area zoned for short-term tourist rentals. As of 2024, Cordoba only permits them in certain non-residential zones like commercial and mixed-use districts.
2. Ensure your property meets all habitability and safety requirements outlined in the regional regulations. This includes minimum size, ventilation, air conditioning/heating, furnishings, and fire safety standards.
3. Register your property with the Andalusian Tourism Registry by submitting a declaration of tourist use. Provide required documents like proof of ownership, floor plans, photos, and insurance.
4. Once approved, you will receive an official registration number that must be displayed on all listings and provided to guests.
5. Register with the appropriate tax authorities (Agencia Tributaria for VAT and income tax, Junta de Andalucía for the regional tourist tax).
6. Prepare a rental contract template, house rules document, official complaints form, and other required guest information.
7. Set up protocols for guest check-in, including submitting passport details to the police within 24 hours of arrival.
8. Create listings on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, ensuring your registration number is clearly displayed.
9. Implement a system for managing bookings, cleanings, key exchanges, and regular property maintenance.
10. Collect and remit all applicable taxes, including 10% VAT, income tax, and the €2.50 per night regional tourist tax.
11. Maintain detailed records of all transactions, guest stays, income, and expenses for tax purposes.
12. Renew your Andalusian Tourism Registry registration every 5 years and stay informed of any changes to local regulations.
13. Consider working with a professional property manager or a local attorney to assist with the registration process and ensure ongoing compliance.

It's critical to follow all steps carefully, as Cordoba has taken a strict approach to enforcing short-term rental rules in recent years. Fines for non-compliance can range from €2,000 to €150,000.

While the regulations require upfront effort, obtaining proper licensing allows you to legally operate and take advantage of Cordoba's thriving tourism market. Prioritizing compliance helps avoid penalties and maintain a successful short-term rental business.

Given the strict regulations and enforcement in Cordoba, it's critical to ensure full compliance before listing your property. Working with a reputable property manager or local attorney can help you navigate the process.

Who to Contact in Cordoba about Short-Term Rental Regulations

For the most current information on short-term rental rules in Cordoba, contact:

1. Andalusian Tourism Registry

Calle Juan Antonio de Vizarrón
Edificio Torretriana
41092 Sevilla
Phone: +34 955 065 100
Email: registro.turismo.ctrjal@juntadeandalucia.es
Website: https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/organismos/turismoregeneracionjusticiayadministracionlocal/areas/turismo/registro-turismo.html

2. Cordoba City Hall - Department of Urban Planning

Av. de la República Argentina, 25
14004 Córdoba
Phone: +34 957 49 99 00
Email: gmu@ayuncordoba.es
Website: https://www.gmucordoba.es/urbanismo-e-infraestructuras

3. Cordoba City Hall - Department of Tourism

Calle Rey Heredia, 22
14003 Córdoba
Phone: +34 957 20 17 74
Email: imtur@turismodecordoba.org
Website: https://www.turismodecordoba.org/

4. Agencia Tributaria (National Tax Office)

Avenida Gran Capitán, 8
14008 Córdoba
Phone: +34 957 48 83 00
Website: https://www.agenciatributaria.es/

These offices can provide specific guidance on zoning, licensing, tax, and other requirements for short-term rentals in Cordoba. It's advisable to consult with them early in the process to ensure compliance.

What Do Airbnb Hosts in Cordoba Think About the Regulations?

Hosts in Cordoba have mixed views on the short-term rental regulations, according to posts on forums like Airbnb Community Center and Reddit.

Some appreciate the increased clarity and consistency the rules provide, noting that they help level the playing field and weed out "bad actors". One host commented "I'd rather jump through a few hoops to be legal than constantly worry about getting caught and fined."

However, others find the registration process cumbersome and the zoning restrictions too limiting. The 2024 ban on short-term rentals in residential areas is a particular point of frustration. A longtime host lamented "I've been operating legally for years, but now I have to shut down because my property isn't in a tourist zone. It's not fair."

There are also concerns that the crackdown is driving some rentals underground, making it harder for responsible hosts to compete. "The black market is thriving because the legal options are so limited now. The city needs a more balanced approach," argued one Reddit user.

Overall, hosts seem to be adapting to the new reality, but not without challenges. Many are shifting to medium or long-term rentals in response to the zoning rules. Others are focusing on providing higher-end, "boutique" experiences to stand out in a tighter market.

The general consensus is that while the regulations are strict, they are manageable for those committed to compliance. However, they have undoubtedly made it harder to operate short-term rentals in Cordoba, especially for "casual" hosts.

Disclaimer: While we here at BNBCalc strive to keep all of our city regulation guides updated and accurate with all the latest local laws, we still do not suggest using them as your sole or primary source for local regulations. We also do not recommend you rely on the third-party sources we link to or reference, and we are not responsible for any of the information on these third-party sites. These guides are for entertainment purposes only and only provide basic information and should not be considered as legal advice.

We highly recommend directly contacting the responsible parties for each city and hearing what their officials have to say. Ultimately, it's your responsibility as an investor to ensure you fully comply with the local laws, and it's best to speak with professionals before making an investment decision.