SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 27 September (EUROPA PRESS) –
The deputy president and tourism advisor of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Lope Afonso (PP), stated this Friday that a moratorium on holiday rentals, as proposed by the four councils of tourist islands, the PSOE, and NC-BC, would already be “ineffective” since the parliamentary process for the new legislation begins in October and is expected to be enacted by the year’s end.
In reply to an inquiry from the Socialist Group, he acknowledged that the Canary Islands Federation (Fecai) had legally assessed this option but did not submit a formal appeal to the Ministry of Tourism.
He specifically mentioned that the Island Cooperation Council would convene this Friday to endorse the advancement of the new regulation, and he believes that a moratorium at this juncture would render any prospective immediate effect “without any form of validity” because the new legislation inherently indicates that municipalities will have to adjust their planning according to the requirements, thereby resulting in a “de facto moratorium”.
The president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, indicated that Tenerife accommodates nearly 45% of the holiday homes within the Canary Islands, and over the past decade, the average rental price has escalated from 467 euros per month to 1,101 euros.
He emphasised that the councils have previously requested the Canary Islands Government to “implement some temporary measures” – even El Hierro could consider additional actions – and specifically regarding Tenerife, between January and August, over 7,200 new holiday homes have been registered.
Consequently, he expressed his “concern” regarding the state of holiday accommodation on the island of Tenerife, acknowledging that while it enables citizens to supplement their income, it also brings about certain “harmful effects”.
Regardless, he stated that it would also be essential to amend the State’s urban lease law to provide “security” for property owners.
The leader of the Socialist Group, Pedro Martín, remarked that holiday rentals “constitute a serious issue”, and calls for a moratorium must be made “with caution” as they ultimately lead to “a surge in the number of individuals who rush to list a house or apartment in this system”.
For this reason, he urged the Cabildo to coordinate with the Government of the Canary Islands and to “support” local councils in spearheading any potential regulations, as otherwise, the issue will persist.
“It would be beneficial if, given that both parties are in governance – referring to CC and PP – here and in the Government, we could establish a collective stance and not evade these discussions, as I believe they contribute nothing constructive,” he asserted.
