Vacation rental regulation in Catalonia is becoming increasingly strict. In 2025, the moratorium on new HUT licences affects several Garraf municipalities. This guide explains exactly what you can do with your property.
If you own a property in the Garraf and are thinking about renting it out as a tourist accommodation, the first question you need to answer is: can I obtain a HUT licence in my municipality? The answer in 2025 is not straightforward, because regulation varies significantly between Sitges, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sant Pere de Ribes and Cubelles.
What is a HUT licence and why do you need it
HUT stands for Habitatge d'Ús Turístic (Tourist Use Housing), the legal category that regulates the rental of complete dwellings for periods of less than 31 days in Catalonia. Without this licence, renting your apartment as tourist accommodation is illegal and can result in fines of up to €90,000. The licence is obtained through the Catalonia Tourism Registry and requires prior notification to the town hall of the municipality where the property is located.
Situation by municipality in the Garraf (2025)
| Municipality | HUT licence status | Moratorium | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sitges | New licences suspended | Yes, since 2022 | Only existing licences can be transferred. Check with the town hall for updates. |
| Vilanova i la Geltrú | Active with conditions | Partial in some areas | Verify with the town hall for the specific area of your property |
| Sant Pere de Ribes | Active | No | Standard process. Typical timeline: 2–4 weeks |
| Cubelles | Active | No | Less saturated market. Streamlined process |
The situation in Sitges deserves special attention. Sitges town hall suspended the granting of new HUT licences in 2022 as a measure to control tourist pressure on the residential market. In 2025, this suspension remains in force, meaning that if your Sitges property does not have a HUT licence, you cannot obtain a new one. However, existing licences can be transferred with the sale of the property, which means properties with a HUT licence command a higher market value.
Requirements to obtain a HUT licence in Catalonia
- The property must be your primary residence or a second home (not a commercial premises)
- Valid habitability certificate (cédula de habitabilidad)
- Civil liability insurance covering tourist activity
- Prior notification to the municipality's town hall
- Registration in the Catalonia Tourism Registry
- Registration number visible on all platform listings (mandatory since 2021)
- Compliance with homeowners' community rules (if applicable)
What happens if you rent without a HUT licence
Renting without a HUT licence in Catalonia is not a minor risk. Inspections are increasingly frequent, especially in municipalities with high tourist pressure such as Sitges. Fines are classified in three levels: minor (up to €4,000), serious (up to €40,000) and very serious (up to €90,000). Additionally, platforms like Airbnb are required to remove listings for properties without a valid registration number when requested by authorities.
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