Starting a Casa Rural in the Comunidad Valenciana: Rules, Permits and Conditions

A Casa Rural is a tourist accommodation located in a dwelling with a distinctively traditional or historical architecture, situated in a rural environment (non-urban and non-coastal). In the Comunidad Valenciana you may operate it as a full house or by room (similar to a B&B), provided you meet specific technical and administrative obligations. The concept is legally different from a standard holiday home (vivienda turística) due to strict ligation and character requirements.

Location requirements: Not on the coast

Can I start a Casa Rural on the Spanish Costa? No, a Casa Rural must be legally in the interior are located. Houses in municipalities adjacent to the coastline or located in urban residential areas do not qualify for this classification, according to Valencia's regional tourism laws.

• Rural zone: The property must be located on 'suelo no urbanizable' (non-developable land) or in small historic centres in the interior.

• The 'Coastal Act': The Spanish Ley de Costas and regional decrees protect coastal zones and direct rural tourism to the hinterland to boost the local economy there.

Expert Insight: "Many buyers err by looking in the 'campo' of coastal towns like Calpe or Denia. For an official Casa Rural licence, however, you really need to go into the hinterland, away from the maritime zone."

Authorised activities and services

What exactly may I offer in a Casa Rural? You may rent out the property if entirely (use by one group) or per room (shared use). In addition to accommodation, you may offer breakfast and cleaning services. If you rent out rooms with breakfast, you are effectively operating as a Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Please note the following requirements for additional services:

• Food safety: A food handling certificate (manipulador de alimentos) and a notification to the health authority is required.

• Facilities: With room rentals, you are obliged to offer cleaning in the rental areas.

General and Architectural Conditions

What structural requirements must the property meet? The property must have a traditional architectural character have that suits the region. Modern new construction is excluded for this licence; it is about renovation and valorisation of existing heritage.

The core conditions are:

• Authenticity: The municipality determines autonomously whether the property is 'sufficiently traditional'.

• Capacity: The property may a maximum of two floors count and there may a maximum of 16 guests staying at the same time.

• Duty to inform: You are required to provide tourist information about the region, including emergency numbers, pharmacies and medical services.

Technical installations and utilities

Are the technical requirements more stringent than for an ordinary house? Yes, given the often remote location, requirements for utilities are strict to ensure guests' comfort and hygiene. A simple connection is often not enough; systems must be approved for commercial use.

• Electricity: A stable, vetted connection is required. In remote areas (rústico), this can present challenges with power (potencia).

• Water: The property must have potable water with sufficient pressure. When using a well or reservoir, regular quality checks are mandatory.

• Wastewater: This is a crucial point. There must be a licensed system for water treatment. An old 'sinkhole' will not suffice; you need a certified septic tank with oxidation system required that meets European standards.

• Heating & Climate: There should be a fixed heating system in both common areas and bedrooms.

• Ventilation: Kitchens and bathrooms should have direct or mechanical ventilation to the outside.

Spacious layout and comfort

Legislation in the Comunidad Valenciana prescribes specific minimum dimensions to ensure quality:

• Living space: Minimum 14 m² for the living/dining room, with one per guest 2 m² should be available.

• Sound insulation: Rooms should be sufficiently isolated to ensure privacy and quiet.

• Connectivity: A working telephone connection (fixed or mobile with good coverage) is mandatory for emergencies.

Safety conditions and fire prevention

How do I secure a Casa Rural against forest fires? Safety is the absolute priority, especially given the risk of forest fires (incendios forestales) in the Spanish interior.

1. Fire safety: The property should have fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and clear evacuation plans.

2. Surroundings: A buffer zone around the house free of dry vegetation is often required.

3. FIRST AID: A fully equipped first aid kit must be visibly and accessible.

4. Self-protection plan: In certain high-risk areas, you need to submit an official plan to the municipality on how to act in case of forest fire.

Roadmap: Permit Application

What permits do I need for a Casa Rural? The legalisation process is dual and requires approval from both the municipality and the region (Turismo). Expect a lead time of several months to more than a year.

Step 1: The Municipal Phase (DIC)

If your property is in agricultural area (suelo no urbanizable), you have a Declaración de Interés Comunitario (DIC) needed.

• Objective: You seek permission from the region (through the municipality) to carry out a commercial activity on land actually intended for agriculture.

• Ground area: The law often requires a plot of minimum 5,000 m² (as much as 10,000 sq m in some municipalities).

• Procedure: After approval from the DIC, apply for the opening permit (licencia de apertura) to the municipality through a Declaración Responsable.

Step 2: The Regional Phase (Turismo)

After the municipal approval, you register the property in the Registro del Servicio Territorial de Turismo. You will then receive your official registration number (e.g. AR-V-...), which you are obliged to quote in all advertisements.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a Casa Rural and a Vivienda Turística?

A Vivienda Turística is a standard holiday home (flat or villa) that may be located anywhere, including on the coast. A Casa Rural is tied to specific architectural requirements, must be inland and often offers a higher level of service and ambience.

Do I need a licence if I only rent out one room?

Yes. Once you offer accommodation for payment through tourism channels (such as Airbnb, Booking or your own website), you are a tourism service provider under Spanish law and registration with Turismo is mandatory.

Can I build a new house and start as a Casa Rural?

As a rule, no. The legislation for Rural houses is designed to preserve existing heritage. Moreover, new construction in rural areas is very strictly regulated and rarely allowed for tourism purposes unless it involves rebuilding a ruin while preserving its original footprint.

Is a septic tank mandatory?

Yes, if there is no connection to the municipal sewerage system (which is often the case in rural areas), a certified water treatment system is mandatory. Old systems where wastewater flows directly into the ground are no longer accepted when applying for a new licence.

About the author: Glenn Janssens is a lawyer specialising in Spanish real estate transactions and tax regulations. Since 2017, he has been helping Belgian and Dutch individuals and entrepreneurs to safely purchase and structure real estate in Spain. He guides files from A to Z: from due diligence, ownership and tax control to estate planning and optimisation for residents and non-residents. Thanks to his years of experience, hundreds of handled files and focus on transparent communication, Glenn makes complex Spanish legislation understandable and practically applicable for every property buyer.