National Police dismantle seven illegal holiday homes in Benidorm towers
An operation with 40 officers found unregistered lettings in the Intempo building; property owners face fines of at least €50,000.
Operation against clandestine holiday rentals in Benidorm
The National Police and Benidorm Local Police carried out a simultaneous inspection of the Intempo building last Friday to detect holiday rental properties operating without authorisation. According to The Olive Press, 40 officers searched properties in the two towers located next to Poniente beach, discovering seven properties operating illegally.
Each property owner faces an initial fine of at least €50,000. The Benidorm Town Council, which took on inspection responsibility following a transfer from the Valencian Generalitat, has initiated sanctioning procedures. Four cases have been resolved with fines of €50,001, although four of them benefited from a 50% discount for early payment.
The inspections were carried out with the collaboration of residents and guests in both towers. Officers maintained security around the perimeter of the complex during the operation, which concluded within a few hours. The Town Council's Commerce Department is responsible for issuing the fines, the proceeds of which revert to municipal coffers.
The operation is part of a coordinated strategy between security forces to combat illegal tourism activity in the city. Both bodies are collaborating in the design of new initiatives to ensure that property owners and building managers comply with their legal obligations.
Source: The Olive Press