The Canary Islands' new holiday-rental law: what changes for you in 2026

The Canary Islands live from tourism — and at the same time many locals struggle to find affordable housing. Out of that tension came a law that was argued over for months: Ley 6/2025. It reorganises holiday rentals and aims to stop homes disappearing from the normal housing market, street by street.

For you that means: whether you own a home and want to let it, whether you are a digital nomad staying longer, or you simply book a few weeks' holiday — the new rules touch you at one point or another. Here is the relaxed version.

What the law sets out

The heart of it is a quota: in every area at least 90% of homes must stay residential, and at most 10% may be let to tourists. On the green islands La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro the limit is 20%.

Then come the extras: new builds may only become holiday homes ten years after completion, a licence lasts five years and must then be renewed. If a home sits empty for more than a year, the permit lapses.

If you want to let a home yourself

Every holiday home needs a regional VV registration (vivienda vacacional). Whether your home qualifies depends on the zone: island councils sort areas into "apta" (allowed), "with conditions" and "no apta" (not allowed). If your home is in an allowed zone and meets the standards, registration usually takes four to twelve weeks.

If you live in a community of owners

An important point for many owners: the community can ban holiday rentals in the building with a three-fifths majority (60%). It may also add a surcharge of up to 20% on community fees for let homes. Owners who hold an older licence from 2015 can, within five years, file a declaration to preserve their tourist use.

And if you only want to rent?

As a guest or long-stay tenant you feel it too: in popular spots the supply of legal holiday homes gets tighter, but more consistent in quality. When in doubt, book only from hosts with a valid licence number — reputable listings show it.