News: Bed & Breakfast License and Rules

Obtaining a permit to start a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) in the Murcia region is subject to specific regulations and procedures. While there are no indications that the issuance of B&B permits in Murcia has been halted, it is important to be aware of the applicable laws and regulations.

Recently, on January 2, 2025, Spain introduced the Registro Único de Arrendamientos (Unique Rental Register), with full implementation planned by July 1, 2025. This measure requires all tourist accommodations, including B&Bs, to register and obtain a unique identification number. This number is mandatory for advertising on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. Additionally, landlords must renew their registration annually and submit activity reports. (elpais.com)

While the autonomous community of Murcia has specific regulations for tourist accommodations, the municipalities within the region have not yet implemented their own ordinances to regulate short-term rentals. This means that regional and national legislation applies. (cadenaser.com)

Given the ongoing developments in legislation, it is advisable to contact the local authorities in Murcia for the most up-to-date information and to ensure compliance with all requirements when starting a B&B. Additionally, seeking professional advice is recommended to streamline the process and avoid any legal complications.

Starting a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) in the Murcia region of Spain requires compliance with specific regulations and procedures. Below is an overview of the key steps and requirements:

1. Registration and Licensing

Before operating your B&B, you must submit a 'Declaración Responsable' (Responsible Declaration) to the Murcia region's tourism office. This is a sworn statement confirming that your accommodation complies with applicable regulations and standards. Along with this declaration, you need to complete a data form and send both documents to empresasturismo@carm.es. Once submitted, your accommodation will be registered in the Registro de Empresas y Actividades Turísticas de la Región de Murcia (Registry of Tourist Businesses and Activities in the Murcia Region), and you will receive a registration number. This process usually takes around 30 days.

---

2. Comfort and Safety Requirements

Your B&B must comply with regional comfort and safety standards as outlined in Decree 174/2018. These include:

Accessibility: Ensure your accommodation is accessible for people with reduced mobility.

Fire Safety: Provide adequate fire safety measures such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and clear emergency exits.

Basic Amenities: Offer bed and bath linens, cleaning supplies, and local information for your guests.

---

3. Liability Insurance

It is mandatory to take out liability insurance with a minimum coverage of €500,000 per incident. This insurance must cover personal injury, property damage, and economic losses and must remain active throughout the rental period.

---

4. Identification Sign

After registration, you must display an identification sign at the entrance of your accommodation or at the reception, following prescribed standards. This sign indicates that your B&B is officially registered as a tourist accommodation.

---

5. Obligation to Report Changes

For any changes, such as a new owner, name changes, renovations, or the cessation of rental activities, you are required to notify the tourism office. Major renovations may result in a reclassification of your accommodation.

---

6. Guest Registration

Since December 1, 2024, it is mandatory to register your guests in advance via the Ses Hopedajes platform. This measure aims to improve safety and oversight of tourist accommodations.

---

7. National Database Registration

From July 1, 2025, you must also register your accommodation in the national database for tourist rentals. This step is in addition to the regional registration and is intended to provide better oversight of tourist accommodations across Spain.

---

It is advisable to contact the local authorities in Murcia for the most up-to-date information and to ensure compliance with all local and regional requirements. Additionally, seeking professional advice is recommended to streamline the process and avoid any legal complications.