POLICE in Benidorm swooped on the city’s iconic Intempo building last Friday to look for illegal tourist rental homes.
At least seven unregistered lets were found with each owner facing a fine of at least €50,000.
Around 40 officers from the Policia Nacional and the Benidorm Policia Local joined forces to check addresses in the two towers located by Poniente beach.
INTEMPO POLICE RAID, FRIDAY. CREDIT: BENIDORM AYTM.
Random inspections took place with authorities saying that had the cooperation of residents and people staying in the Levante and Poniente blocks.
Officers also maintained security outside the Intempo block during their operation.
Within a few hours, it was confirmed that seven homes were being rented out to tourists without obtaining an appropriate license.
The checks were carried out under the authority of Benidorm City Council which has the power to fine offending owners.
The authority assumed responsibility from the Valencian government for carrying out inspections and collecting fines which go into municipal coffers.
The council’s Commerce department is in charge of issuing sanctions and at least four, each set initially at €50,001 have already been paid with a 50% discount for prompt payment.
The latest operation on Friday was part of ongoing collaboration between the Policia Nacional and the Benidorm’s Policia Local against illegal tourist activities and to ensure that laws are followed.
Both forces cooperate to plan new initiatives over checking whether owners and managers of rental property are fulfilling their legal obligations.
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