Illegal Subletting: When Long-Term Tenants Rent Rooms to Tourists

When vacation guests move in secretly

Sometimes a look out the window in Palma is enough to notice that something is wrong: suitcases at the front door on a Monday morning, unfamiliar voices late into the night, tourists arriving with key cards instead of keys. In recent months, agents and property managers have increasingly reported cases of illegal subletting — the so-called "Inquilinos Pirata." This is not an exotic headline but a real nuisance for landlords and neighbors.

How does it work?

The pattern is often similar: someone signs a normal long-term lease — officially as a student, seasonal worker or family. After a few weeks or months, rooms or the entire apartment are offered short-term to holidaymakers on platforms without the owner's knowledge. The prices? Usually well above what the contract stipulates. Naturally, the license for tourist rentals is missing.

Consequences for owners: fines, complicated legal disputes and trouble with neighbors. It sounds unfair, but authorities often hold the owner responsible for illegal tourism — even if they knew nothing about it. Many landlords report that resolving such cases takes weeks to months and quickly becomes expensive.

Practical tips

I speak here with people who manage properties: clear rules in the lease help. Concretely that means: an explicit clause prohibiting subletting; a purpose-bound security deposit; inventory checklists at move-in; and copies of IDs. Those who want greater security can ask for an additional local contact person — this usually works better than giving someone the benefit of the doubt.

Also: regular checks are not a luxury. A quick question to a neighbor, occasional inspections (announced in good time) or a connected locking system with logs can prevent a lot. And of course: if guests keep changing in the building, inform the police or the municipality sooner rather than later — it will save time in the end.

What the authorities say

The island administration is tightening controls because unauthorized holiday rentals worsen the housing shortage. Since this year, reports are more often punished with fines. For owners this means: don't look away. A clear view of contracts and tenants is currently the best insurance.

A small, honest piece of advice to finish: if a tenant seems too friendly to be true, or wants the apartment immediately without many questions — think twice. A little mistrust today can prevent a lot of trouble tomorrow.