The Dirección General de Consumo of the Junta de Andalucía offers a series of recommendations for individuals interested in renting a tourist apartment during the summer holidays.
If opting for a tourist apartment, it is necessary to know that these must be registered in the Tourism Registry of Andalucía. Therefore, the registration number must appear on the invoice issued by the managing company once the booking is made. When searching for a tourist apartment, the user should gather all possible information, taking into account their needs and expectations, such as the type of accommodation, the services offered, the rooms in the property, the furniture and appliances, the location, and the budget.
To have useful and informative information, the consumer can check various internet platforms or forums for reviews from previous users of the same accommodation detailing their experience in the establishment, focusing on aspects like cleanliness, services, or the attention received. Additionally, it is important to see representative, quality, and up-to-date photographs of the tourist apartment, both inside and outside.
Moreover, it is essential to check the cancellation conditions of the reservation, especially if there are penalties involved. The company should specify under what conditions a reservation can be canceled without penalty, if applicable. Consumo emphasizes the importance of demanding a written contract to be able to read it thoroughly before signing and to keep a copy for possible claims. The managing company should also specify whether the price includes or not the costs of water, electricity, gas, or internet.
Similarly, in addition to the contract, it is advisable to keep all receipts or invoices of payments made, and if available, the advertising brochure of the establishment.
The company responsible for the establishment must issue a dated invoice including the description and amount of the contracted services, as well as the registration number in the Tourism Registry of Andalucía and the accommodation unit used.
Tourist apartments must display an identifying plaque with the distinctive sign ‘AT’, in white on a blue background, next to the number of keys of the accommodation -equivalent to the stars of hotel establishments-. This plaque should also indicate its category -with golden or silver keys- and specify the type -beach, rural, or urban- and the group to which it belongs -‘buildings/complexes’ or ‘sets’-.