Some cities and regions require landlords to register or license a property before advertising it for rent. Whether this applies to you depends on the city and on the tenancy regime you let under (the type of tenancy contract you use) — you must check which requirements apply with your local authority before you list. Where a registration number is required, add it to your listing from your Personal Dashboard; without it, your listing may be restricted.
Why official registration matters
Many European cities have introduced local rules requiring landlords to obtain an official licence or registration number before advertising a property for rent. These rules exist to ensure rental properties meet minimum safety and habitability standards and to regulate the local rental market.
Advertising a property without a registration number in a city that requires one may be unlawful and may attract fines — check with the local authority. You are solely responsible for the legality and accuracy of your listing: Uniplaces does not verify the information you upload unless it expressly says so.
Which requirements apply to you?
Requirements vary significantly by country, and by city and region within each country. They also depend on the tenancy regime: the rules for a residential tenancy are not the same as the rules for other types of letting, and different regimes may require different registrations or none at all.
Bookings on Uniplaces are for 28 days or longer. Before you list, confirm with your local authority which regime your rental falls under and which registration, licence or number — if any — you need to display on an advertisement.
- Portugal — requirements depend on the municipality and the type of tenancy. Check with your local authority which registration applies to your rental.
- Spain — requirements vary by autonomous community. Contact your regional authority for the process in your area.
- Italy — requirements and portals vary by region. Check with your regional authority whether a registration code must appear on your advertisement.
- France — medium-term residential lets (including bail mobilité) don’t need the national registration number required for tourist rentals. Some municipalities do require prior authorisation to let (permis de louer) — check with your town hall.
- Germany — there is no national registration. Some cities (such as Berlin, Munich and Hamburg) restrict using housing for anything other than residential use; stays where the tenant makes the flat their main home are generally fine, but very short stays may be treated differently. Check with your city.
Always verify the current requirements with your local authority before listing — rules change, and Uniplaces cannot confirm which ones apply to your property.
How to add your registration number to your Uniplaces listing
- Log in and go to your Personal Dashboard
- Select your listing and click Edit listing
- Navigate to the Legal & Documents section
- Enter your official registration number in the designated field
- Click Save changes
Once added, your registration number is displayed on your listing, so that it is shown on the advertisement as local law requires.
What happens if you let without the required registration
If it is not legal for you to let the accommodation, the tenant may claim a full refund of what they paid through Uniplaces — the first rental payment, the service fee and any holding deposit — under the Refund Policy, and Uniplaces may remove your listing without notice and may restrict your account. Make sure your registration is in place before you accept a booking request: once you accept and the tenant pays, you are bound to provide the accommodation.
What if you’re exempt?
Some property types or tenancy arrangements may be exempt from registration requirements in your city. If your rental qualifies for an exemption, contact the Uniplaces support team with documentation confirming this and they will note the exemption on your listing. Confirm the exemption with your local authority first — Uniplaces cannot advise you on whether it applies.
When to contact Uniplaces support
- Your listing is restricted and you have a valid registration number to add
- Your rental is exempt from registration and you have documentation to show it
- The Legal & Documents section does not accept your registration number
Frequently asked questions
Can my listing go live before I have my registration number?
In cities where registration is required, your listing may be restricted until a valid registration number is added. If you are in the process of obtaining one, contact the Uniplaces support team — they can tell you what your listing needs before it can be published in full.
What happens if regulations change in my city?
Rental regulations across Europe are evolving. It is your responsibility to keep your listing lawful and up to date: check with your local authority periodically and update the Legal & Documents section of your listing whenever your registration details change.
Does Uniplaces help with the registration process?
Registration must be completed by you with the relevant local authority. Uniplaces can help you add your registration number to your listing, but it cannot confirm which registration applies to your property or verify its validity.
Do I need a separate registration for each property?
In most countries, each individual property requires its own registration. If you have multiple listings, you will usually need a separate registration number for each one — check with your local authority.
Still need help?
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Laws and regulations vary by country and change over time. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional (lawyer, accountant, or tax advisor) in the country where your property is located.