Spanish Royal Decree-Law 933/2021 (English)

Introduction

The Royal Decree 933/2021 is a Spanish law that aims to increase security and prevent criminal activity in the vacation and car rental industry. This decree requires individuals and legal entities carrying out hosting activities to collect and report detailed information to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior. In particular, the decree obliges intermediary platforms, like Holidu, and property owners to provide information about guests, bookings, and properties booked for short-term rentals.

In this FAQ, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Royal Decree 933/2021.

When did Royal Decree 933/2021 come into force?

The law came into force on 02.01.2023 with an adaptation period until 01.10.2024. From 01.10.2024, sanctions may be imposed if the report is not submitted or is submitted after the deadline or with incomplete information.

How will Holidu comply with this new law?

Holidu, as an intermediary platform, is obliged to collect and store data on the properties published in our system located in Spain. This includes property, guest and booking data. To be fully compliant, Holidu will report this data to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior up to 24 hours after the booking becomes non-refundable. If Holidu doesn't have this information, then 24 hours after the booking date.

What happens with the reporting of a booking that gets cancelled after it becomes non-refundable?

Holidu will withdraw/cancel the reporting of this booking on the SES Hospedajes platform (the platform developed by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior to comply with Royal Decree 933/2021). 

Is it possible to get a list of reported bookings?

No. However, to check the reported bookings, you can simply check all the bookings marked as confirmed in your Holidu account and consider those that are already non-refundable as reported. Once a booking is cancelled, Holidu will withdraw/cancel the reporting of this booking on the SES Hospedajes platform.

Why does Holidu need to send this data to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior?

For some time now, Hosts have been required to report information about their guests to the Spanish Authorities. With the Royal Decree 933/2021, Host will continue to report data but now the Spanish Authorities also require intermediary platforms to submit a report in order to strengthen security measures and further protect all citizens and tourists.

How is this law affecting me as a Holidu Partner?

If you are a Holidu Partner with properties in Spain, you are directly affected by this regulation. This is how:

• Holidu, as an intermediary platform, is required to report, collect, and store data about your properties, guests, and bookings up to 24 hours after the booking becomes non-refundable. If Holidu doesn’t have this information, then 24 hours after the booking date.
• Your hosts, as property owners, are also required to comply with this regulation by reporting data about their properties, guests, and bookings up to 24 hours after the check-in date. They are also responsible for the collection of additional information from all guests of each booking.
• We advise you to confirm with experts in the field if your business/company has any obligation to comply with this law.

Does this obligation also apply to my bookings if I'm not registered in Spain?

Yes, the legislation applies to all properties located in Spain, regardless of where your business is registered.

What information needs to be reported?

For a full list of the required information, please visit the Annex I of the Royal Decree 933/2021 here.

Overall, the information to be reported is categorized in four:

1. Reporting party details (in our report, Holidu’s data)
2. Property data
3. Guest data
4. Booking data

Please note that not all data points listed in the Royal Decree 933/2021 are mandatory. There are also different data requirements for platforms and property owners (divided accordingly into sections A and B).

Where can I find more information from official sources?

More information regarding the Royal Decree 933/2021 is available on the website of the Spanish Ministry of the Interior (here) and in the official BOE publication (here).

If you have any other questions or concerns, you can contact our finance or partner support team.