SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 26 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Territorial College of Property Administrators of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has voiced its “strongest” objection regarding the omission of the suggestions and comments it provided for the draft Law aimed at regulating holiday homes in the islands. These considerations have not been included in the revised legislation that the Government of the Canary Islands plans to approve in October.
“Once again, regulations are being enacted that undermine private property owners, disregarding the realities and demands of those we represent,” the organisation stated in a declaration, also expressing “deep” regret that “we continue to disregard the insights of professionals who possess direct and clear understanding of the issues concerning both the coexistence of property owners and the availability of rental accommodation.”
The Association of Property Managers finds it “unacceptable” that the Executive’s proposal “merely shifts the responsibility for the shortage of rental housing onto private owners, when it is obvious that the root cause of this issue lies in the inaction and political bias of public authorities.”
It is additionally concerning that legislation is not being enacted to achieve a balance between holiday homes and residential properties. “This absence of regulation is creating disputes within owners’ communities, without providing them with adequate resources to manage these situations,” the organisation points out.
It is deemed crucial to equip property managers and the relevant authorities with the necessary tools to monitor and, if warranted, eliminate those holiday rental activities that disrupt harmony and compromise the well-being of neighbours.
Distrust Among Owners
The professional association emphasises that the lack of legal protection, arising from the surge in squatters, “has sharply diminished the availability of housing for long-term rental. Owners feel vulnerable in the face of this issue and, regrettably, there is currently no legislation to address this critical situation, which has fostered a climate of distrust that adversely impacts the rental market.”
The College believes it is vital to amend the Urban Leasing Law to provide legal assurance to owners who let out their dwellings. Furthermore, it asserts that the Government must fulfil its responsibility to construct social housing and expedite new construction licences, as “excessive bureaucratic hurdles and inaction are the real barriers preventing the much-needed housing from being developed.”
According to the College of Administrators, “we are confronted with a disgraceful scenario where the sluggishness of administrative procedures is directly hindering the creation of new housing. The shortage of accommodation in the long-term rental market is not the fault of the owners, but rather a failing of a public administration that has not effectively managed the resources at its disposal or implemented successful housing promotion policies.”
The Association reaffirms its dedication to upholding the rights of property owners and insists on being heard throughout this legislative process.