ASCAV: Owners that use apartments on holiday complexes are still being fined
The Canarian Association of Holiday Rentals (ASCAV) has criticised the regional government for continuing to impose fines of up to €2,500 on apartment owners who have properties on holiday complexes and use them for personal use at weekends or bank holidays, even if they do not live in them.
Back in March, the Canary Islands Government announced that such sanctions would be suspended following the approval of Decree Law 2/2025. However, ASCAV claims the fines have not stopped, arguing that the decree has created “false and unrealistic expectations” among owners.
“Impossible conditions” for residents
According to the association, the sanctions are not being lifted because the law requires that all owners in a complex unanimously agree to change the land use designation from “tourist” to “residential”, something ASCAV describes as “absolutely impossible.”
This has left many owners in limbo, unable to live in, rent out, or even use their properties at weekends or during holidays. “It is harassment and demolition against small Canarian property owners who, after a lifetime of savings and hard work, bought an apartment in the south of the islands simply as a place to rest,” ASCAV said.
A long-standing controversy
The issue stems from the 2013 Canary Islands tourism law, which aimed to regulate holiday accommodation but has faced ongoing criticism for restricting how owners can use their properties. ASCAV argues the legislation primarily benefits large hotel operators and leaves private owners unfairly penalised.
While the government’s March decree was presented as a solution, ASCAV insists it has not addressed the root of the problem and has only added to owners’ frustration.
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