How to Strengthen a Complaint Draft Against Improper Tourist License Use?

Question from karma, How to Strengthen a Complaint Draft Against Improper Tourist License Use?

Answer from AI:

Overview

In Spain a “licencia turística” authorises the short‑term rental of a dwelling and obliges the holder to respect a series of safety, hygiene and registration requirements set out in the Ley de Turismo (Law 7/2010) and in the corresponding regional and municipal regulations. When a license is used contrary to those rules—e.g., subletting without registration, exceeding the permitted capacity, or failing to meet safety standards—the competent authority may order the cessation of the activity and the withdrawal of the licence.

Below is a practical checklist and a suggested outline you can use to restructure your complaint. Once you have the draft ready, you can paste it here and I can give line‑by‑line comments.

1. Identify the Parties and the Competent Authority

• Complainant: your full name, address, and, if applicable, your status (owner, neighbour, tenant, municipal official).
• License holder: name, fiscal identification (NIF/CIF), address of the rented property, licence number.
• Authority addressed: usually the Ayuntamiento (town hall) or the Dirección General de Turismo of the autonomous community.

2. State the Facts Chronologically

1. Date of licence issuance and the conditions attached (capacity, classification, safety certificates).
2. Specific acts of non‑compliance (e.g., “Since 15 May 2024 the holder has been renting the property through platform X to more than 6 guests, exceeding the authorised capacity of 4”).
3. Evidence attached: photographs, screenshots of listings, witness statements, copies of complaints already filed with the police or the municipal office.

3. Cite the Legal Basis

• Ley de Turismo, art. 5 and art. 13 (requirements for registration and compliance).
• Reglamento de Actividades Turísticas of the relevant autonomous community (e.g., Reglamento de Turismo de Cataluña, Decreto 5/2019 of the Comunidad de Madrid).
• Any ordenanza municipal that limits the number of licences per dwelling or imposes specific safety obligations.

When you reference a provision, briefly explain why the holder’s conduct breaches it (e.g., “Art. 13.1 requires that the maximum occupancy not exceed the capacity indicated in the licence; the holder regularly admits eight guests, violating this provision.”).

4. Request Specific Relief

• Immediate suspension of the illegal short‑term rentals pending investigation.
• Withdrawal of the tourist licence if the violations are proven to be persistent or serious.
• Inspection by the municipal technical service to verify compliance with safety and hygiene standards.

Phrase the request clearly: “Por todo lo expuesto, solicito a la autoridad competente que, en el plazo de diez (10) días hábiles, ordene la paralización de la actividad de alquiler turístico en la vivienda sita en … y proceda a la revocación de la licencia turística número …”.

5. Attach Supporting Documentation

• Copies of the licence and any correspondence with the holder.
• Screenshots of the online listing showing the illegal occupancy.
• Photographs of the property that demonstrate lack of fire‑extinguishers, emergency exits, etc.
• Statements from neighbours or guests, if available.

6. Formalities

• Sign the complaint and include the date.
• If you are a legal representative, attach a poder notarial.
• Send the complaint by registro electrónico or burofax to guarantee proof of delivery.

7. Practical Tips

• Be concise: each paragraph should contain a single idea.
• Use numbered lists for facts and requests; this makes the document easier to read for the authority.
• Avoid emotive language; stick to factual descriptions and legal references.
• Check regional specifics: some autonomous communities require a pre‑complaint notification to the licence holder before filing.

8. When to Seek Professional Help

Because the procedure may involve administrative sanctions, possible appeals, and interaction with multiple bodies (municipal, regional, national), it is advisable to consult a lawyer specialised in tourism or administrative law before filing. A professional can verify that the evidence meets the required standards and can represent you if the case escalates to an administrative or judicial proceeding.

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Feel free to paste your current draft here; I can then point out where the structure can be tightened, suggest precise wording, and verify that all necessary legal citations are present.