If you're a landlord renting out a temporary rental in the EU, you may be required to register your property with local authorities and add a rental registration number to your listing.
Online rental platforms like HousingAnywhere are required by law to collect and display this information, and share it with local authorities where required.
In this article:
About the rental registration number
A rental registration number is a unique code issued by local authorities to show that a property is registered for short- or mid-term rental.
It helps cities and governments track rental activity and ensure listings follow local rules.
You’ll see this number on many listings across Europe. In some places, it’s required by law.
Where it’s required
Some countries and cities already require a rental registration number for short- and mid-term rentals (temporary stays), especially if the property is advertised online. Some local rules may apply even if you don’t advertise the property online.
Currently, registration is required in:
France – cities with more than 200,000 people
Italy – many regions (via regional CIR systems)
Greece – across the country
Portugal – across the country (via RNAL)
Germany – cities like Berlin and Hamburg
Spain – from 1 July 2025 (Royal Decree 1312/2024)
By 20 May 2026, all short- to mid-term rental properties in the EU will be required to have a registration number (EU Short-Term Rental Regulation EU 2024/1028).
Local rules — including registration processes and enforcement — may vary by country, region, or city.
What matters is where the rental property is located, not where you live.
If your temporary rental is located in a region where a rental registration number is required, you must register it and add the number to your listing — even if you don’t live in that region.
Which properties need a rental registration number
The rental registration number applies to short- and mid-term rentals intended for temporary stays.
This includes:
Furnished apartments or studios
Shared apartments
Private rooms in shared housing
It doesn’t matter if the rental is for a few weeks or several months — what matters is that it’s intended for temporary residence.
Some properties, like officially recognized student residences (PBSAs), may be subject to different rules. Check your local regulations if you’re unsure.
If you’re offering a permanent rental, you don’t need to register that property.
If you don’t add a valid rental registration number
If your temporary rental is in a location where a rental registration number is required, you must add a valid number to your listing. Listings without a valid number may be hidden from search results or removed from our platform.
For example, starting 1 July 2025, listings for temporary rentals in Spain without a valid rental registration number won’t appear in HousingAnywhere search results.
If you submit incorrect or incomplete registration details and don’t correct them within 7 business days, your registration can be suspended. We may then be required to remove or hide the affected listing.
Register your property early.
Early registration helps ensure your listing stays visible, protects future bookings, and avoids delays caused by slow processing times at some municipalities.
Adding the rental registration number to your listing
When you create or edit a listing, you’ll see a field called Rental registration number.
If you already have a registration number, add it there. If you don’t have one yet, follow your local authority’s process to register first.
Adding the rental registration number when creating a listing
Adding or updating the rental registration number by editing a listing
Getting a rental registration number in Spain
These are the general steps based on current guidance from the Spanish authorities. Processes may vary slightly by region.
Prepare the required documents (see Article 9.2 of Royal Decree 1312/2024).
Fill in the online form.
Download and submit it through the electronic portal, along with the required documents.
There is a €27 (plus VAT) fee to register.
For more information, refer to Royal Decree 1312/2024 (Spain).
We recommend starting the registration process early to avoid delays before 1 July 2025.
Why this matters
The EU Short-Term Rental Regulation (EU 2024/1028) aims to increase transparency, promote balanced tourism, and improve access to housing.
By registering your property and adding the rental registration number, you help support these goals and contribute to a more transparent, fair, and trustworthy rental market across Europe.
If you’re not sure what rules apply to your area, contact your local municipality. You can also reach out to our Customer Care team — we’re happy to help.