Tourism Law Dispute in Tenerife: Property Owners Still Face Fines

The debate around the Canary Islands Tourism Law is far from over, especially in South Tenerife, one of the most visited destinations in the islands. Local residents and property owners say they are being unfairly fined, even though the government had previously announced a suspension of penalties.

Owners in Tenerife Receive Fines Despite Suspension

Earlier this year, the Canary Islands Government said it would stop issuing fines against owners of apartments and bungalows. However, according to the Platform of Those Affected by the Tourism Law (PALT), owners are still receiving penalties of up to €2,500. Many cases were reported even during the busy month of August, when South Tenerife is full of tourists.

Why Owners Are Protesting

Maribe Doreste, president of PALT, described the situation as “unjustifiable harm” for local residents. She explained that owners feel betrayed, stripped of legal security, and treated with unfair rules. According to her, the government is applying the law differently across the islands.

Some complexes in one municipality are being fined, while in another, no action is taken. This creates confusion and frustration for owners who simply want to use their apartments as homes or rent them out legally.

ASCAV Raises Concerns

The Canary Islands Holiday Rental Association (ASCAV) also joined the protest. They highlighted that fines of around €2,000 are still being imposed on property owners in Tenerife. ASCAV says the rules are almost impossible to follow, since they require all owners in a complex to unanimously agree on converting buildings into residential use.

This means that many apartments in areas like Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Américas cannot be used freely not for living, not for holiday rentals, not even for weekend stays.

A Long-Running Conflict in South Tenerife

The conflict over the Tourism Law has been going on for years, especially in tourist hubs across Tenerife South. Many complexes were built decades ago, and owners argue they should have the right to decide how to use their properties.

The government, on the other hand, insists that regulation is needed to protect the tourism model of the Canary Islands. But with fines still being issued, thousands of owners remain in a state of legal uncertainty.

What’s Next?

For now, residents and associations in South Tenerife are demanding that all fines be cancelled immediately. They want clear, fair rules that allow them to live in their own homes or rent them out without fear of penalties.

The outcome of this dispute will shape not only property rights but also the future of holiday rentals in Tenerife’s most popular tourist areas.