So, you’ve bought a luxury villa in Javea. It’s sunny. It’s got a pool. The fridge hums like it’s thinking deep thoughts. You love it.
But there’s a problem. You’re not always there. And the house just sits, empty, watching the lizards sunbathe and the post pile up.
You could rent it out. People do. People make good money doing it. But not without a bit of paperwork, some common sense, and a willingness to follow rules that feel like they were written by someone balancing a coffee cup and a blindfold.
Here’s how to do it properly. Without fines, stress, or regret.
Step 1: Get Registered or Get Fined
To legally rent out your home for holiday lets, you need a Tourist Rental License. This is not optional. It’s required by law in the Valencian Community (which includes Javea).
If you rent without it, the fines are steep. We’re talking four-figure steep. And no, ignorance is not a defence. Spanish authorities are many things, but forgiving isn’t usually one of them.
Where to get it?
Through the Generalitat Valenciana. You’ll need to register your property and get a Vivienda Turística number, which you must display on all adverts.
This is not a quick form. It involves:
- Proof you own the property
- Proof the property meets basic safety standards
- Details about room sizes, ventilation, and the ability of your toaster not to explode
If you’re not fluent in Spanish or very brave, get help from a gestor (local paperwork whisperer).
Step 2: Think About Insurance Before the Leak Happens
Your usual home insurance probably won’t cover tourist lets. And if it does, it probably has fine print so tiny it needs its own microscope.
Get proper holiday rental cover. Make sure it includes:
- Public liability (in case someone slips on your tiles and sues)
- Contents cover (for that lamp you got from IKEA that now costs more than gold)
- Structural cover (because Spanish weather can go from sunshine to flood in an hour)
Don’t assume nothing will go wrong. This is Spain. The ceiling fan may develop a personality.
Step 3: Declare the Income (Yes, All of It)
If you rent out your home, the taxman wants a slice. This includes:
- Spanish tax (through the Modelo 210 if you’re non-resident)
- Tax in your home country (if you’re still filing there)
You can deduct some costs – like cleaning, maintenance, and advertising – but only if you keep the receipts. Not in a shoebox. Properly.
Get an accountant who speaks both languages and knows how to stop your tax bill looking like a phone number.
Step 4: Don’t Forget the Boring Stuff
Cleaning – Spain takes hygiene seriously. Your place must be spotless between guests. We’re talking fresh bedding, mopped floors, working loos. A hair in the sink is enough to get a bad review and a refund request.
Bins – Tell guests when bin day is. Otherwise, your neighbours will complain. Or worse, they’ll put the rubbish back in your garden.
Noise – Spain loves fiestas. But it also loves siestas. If your guests are noisy, it’s your problem. Not theirs. The police will knock on the door. And they will bring paperwork.
Step 5: Be Available (or Hire Someone Who Is)
You must provide a contact number in case of emergencies.
This does not mean “I’ll check my email in a couple of days.” It means “the toilet has exploded and someone needs to come fix it now.”
If you’re not local, hire a property manager. Many Javea estate agencies offer this service. They’ll handle:
- Guest check-in and check-out
- Cleaning
- Key handover
- Light bulb replacements
- People who can’t work the air con but insist it’s broken
It’s not cheap, but it’s cheaper than a guest who calls the town hall.
Step 6: Manage Expectations Like a Pro
Spanish houses are not British houses. They echo. They have ants. The oven may look like it hasn’t been used since the 80s.
Be honest in your advert. Tell people what they’re getting. And what they’re not.
Because if someone books your place expecting a five-star hotel, and finds a perfectly nice two-bed villa with character (read: slightly weird layout), they will leave a review long enough to qualify as a novel.
The Profit Bit
Can you make money renting out your Javea home? Yes.
But it depends on:
- How many weeks you rent per year
- Your running costs
- Whether you price it right (not too cheap, not too greedy)
Summer gets the highest rates. Winter can still bring income from longer lets (think digital nomads, retirees, and sun-seeking Scandinavians).
Final Thought
Renting out your Javea home can be profitable, legal, and satisfying. But only if you treat it like a small business and not a sunny side project.