Guest floating on a ring in the pool of a rental villa, Marbella

What to Know Before Renting a Villa in Marbella

The checklist: licences, deposits, staff and extras

By Live Love Marbella · Updated 18 October 2026

A villa is the best way to do Marbella with family or friends: your own pool, space for everyone and no hotel timetable. It is also where small details make a big difference.

This checklist covers what to know before renting a villa in Marbella: the tourist licence, the deposit, the paperwork for guests, staff and extras, with all 18 points at the end. Still choosing a home? Browse our villa rental Marbella collection first, then use this list to check the details.

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In this guide

In brief
Licences
Deposits
Guest registration
Staff
Extras
With children
The checklist
Tips for a smooth stay
FAQ

At a glance

Renting a villa in brief

Licence: Holiday villas in Andalucía must be registered; look for the VUT number
Deposit: Usual, refundable; agree the terms in writing
Guest ID: Hosts must register every guest with the authorities
Tourist tax: None in Andalucía as of October 2026
Our villas: Prices and availability on request

The rules

Licences: the VUT number

In Andalucía, a home rented to tourists must be registered with the Registro de Turismo de Andalucía. Since 2024, registration codes start with VUT (they used to start with VFT), and the number must appear in every advert.

A registered rental must also have official complaint forms available and display the required sign. If a listing has no number, ask why.

Spain also introduced a national rental registration number. In June 2026 the Supreme Court partly annulled that system, and the national number is no longer compulsory; the Andalusian registration still is.

Regional register: Registro de Turismo de Andalucía
Code: Starts with VUT; shown in every advert
Information: Junta de Andalucía tourism line, 900 10 15 70

Money

Deposits and payments

Most luxury villas ask for a refundable security deposit, as well as the rental payments. There is no fixed amount: it depends on the villa and the length of the stay.

Before you pay, get in writing how much the deposit is, how it is held, what it covers and when it is returned. Do a walk-round with photos at check-in.

The cancellation policy

Check the payment schedule and what happens if you cancel. Travel insurance that covers rental costs is worth considering.

Paperwork

Guest registration

Spanish law requires holiday-rental hosts to register every guest with the authorities, through the Interior Ministry’s SES.HOSPEDAJES system. The data must be sent within 24 hours and kept for three years.

In practice, the host or agency will ask for a passport or ID card for each adult before or at arrival. It is a legal requirement, not a formality.

Service

Staff and housekeeping

Ask what is included: daily or weekly cleaning, linen changes, and pool and garden care. Luxury villas often include more, but it is never safe to assume.

Extra staff, such as a private chef, a nanny or a driver, is usually booked separately. We arrange all of them for our guests, priced on request.

Extras

Extras worth arranging

The best villa stays start before you land: an airport transfer, a stocked fridge and a cot set up for the baby.

Book the big extras early in summer: yachts, beach-club beds and restaurant tables sell out.

See yacht charters

With children

Villas with children

For small children, ask about pool safety: a fence, an alarm or a safety cover. Ask too about stairs, balconies and baby equipment such as cots and high chairs.

The checklist

The full villa checklist

All 18 points to check

Licence The Andalusian registration number (VUT code) appears in the listing
Contract A written rental agreement with dates, price and house rules
Price What is included: cleaning, linen, utilities, pool and garden care
Deposit Amount, how it is paid, what it covers and when it is returned
Payment Schedule of payments and the cancellation policy
Guests Maximum number of guests, and whether visitors are allowed
Events Whether parties or events are allowed, in writing
Noise Quiet hours and community rules
Pool Pool safety: fence, alarm or cover if you travel with small children
Heating Pool heating and air conditioning: included or extra?
Check-in Arrival time, key handover and who meets you
ID Passports or ID for every guest, for the legally required registration
Staff Housekeeping frequency, and the price of a chef, nanny or driver
Extras Airport transfers, car hire, baby equipment and grocery delivery
Inventory An inventory and photos of the condition at check-in
Complaints Official complaint forms, which every registered rental must have
Contacts A 24-hour phone number for problems during your stay
Check-out Time, cleaning expectations and how the deposit is settled

See our luxury villas

Insider tips

Tips for a smooth stay

Book early. The best villas for July and August are booked months ahead.
Read the house rules. Especially on parties, guests and noise.
Check the location. Walking distance to the beach or a quiet hillside: decide what matters most. Our guide to Marbella’s neighbourhoods helps.
Keep a contact. You want one person to call for anything during your stay.

General information, not legal advice. Rules on holiday rentals change; check the current requirements.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do holiday villas in Marbella need a licence?

Yes. Holiday homes in Andalucía must be registered with the Registro de Turismo de Andalucía, and the VUT registration number must appear in every advert.

How much is the deposit for a villa in Marbella?

It depends on the villa and the stay. Get the amount, what it covers and when it is returned in writing before you pay.

Why does the host need my passport?

Spanish law requires hosts to register every guest with the Interior Ministry within 24 hours of arrival.

Is there a tourist tax in Marbella?

No. As of October 2026, Andalucía does not charge a tourist tax.

Can I have a party at a rental villa?

Only if the contract allows it. Many villas do not allow events, so ask in writing first. For weddings, see our guide to wedding venues in Marbella.

Can you arrange a chef or a driver?

Yes. We arrange private chefs, drivers, nannies, transfers and yachts for our guests, priced on request.