Irish Holiday Homeowners in Canary Islands Hit with Fines for Rental Refusals

Imagine arriving at your dream holiday home in the Canary Islands, only to be greeted with a hefty four-figure fine.

That’s the reality for many Irish holiday homeowners across ten breathtaking islands in this paradisiacal archipelago.

In certain corners of Gran Canaria, property owners are being slapped with fines exceeding €2,000 for their reluctance to rent out their properties through approved tourist operators, as mandated by regional regulations.

These fines have triggered widespread discontent among homeowners, leading to passionate demonstrations against the legislation.

Critics argue that penalising individuals for using their properties as personal residences or vacation getaways is unjust and oppressive.

Last year, a Spanish pensioner made headlines as the first person fined under this contentious tourist law. Since then, countless others, including Irishman John Hefferman, have found themselves on the receiving end of substantial penalties. Mr. Hefferman, who has owned his property for over a decade, was hit with a staggering €2,250 fine.

Joining him are approximately 400 homeowners who’ve faced similar sanctions in recent months.

Many attribute these penalties to pressure from tourist operators, who claim that the residential use of apartments in tourist zones diminishes visitor accommodation options, adversely affecting the local tourism industry.

Despite efforts to contest the fines, homeowners like Mr. Hefferman often find themselves with no recourse but to pay up. Delays in receiving notifications have left many unaware of their fines until it’s too late to challenge them.

Expressing his frustration, Mr. Hefferman lamented, “We’ve paid the fine, but it’s truly unfair. We bought this apartment for our own enjoyment and family visits. If we can’t utilize it as intended, we may have no choice but to sell, thereby devaluing the property.”

He further questioned the lack of communication regarding fines, particularly the failure to send notices to registered addresses, leaving many homeowners feeling blindsided.

Last September, hundreds gathered in Playa del Ingles to protest the government’s imposition of fines, denouncing it as a violation of property rights and freedom of residence.

Maribe Doreste, vice-president of the Platform for People Affected by the Tourism Law, has called out the government for yielding to pressure from businesses involved in tourist lets, urging policymakers to reconsider the legislation.