Decree 218/2005 - How to comply with Decreto 218

If you managed to stay awake while reading through the English translation of the Decreto218 Law (which is now Printable, so why not take it out on to the terrace with a [very] strong coffee?), a few thoughts are likely to have hit you. The first is probably “Come again?”; while the second may well have been “Ok, but that could mean any number of things…” Far be it from us to suggest that the law is intentionally arcane and obdurate, but it certainly seems open to various interpretations. Hence, and triggered by the comments being raised in Your Questions, the following statement is our latest take on the matter:

Just a note to all of the unanswered questions appearing on the boards thus far…

From our understanding of the law, and our dealings with agents already directly affected by it, our advice would be to err on the side of caution, ie, if you are unsure enough to ask the question, then make provisions to cover your back. The law is lengthy and complicated, so it is a far more sensible option to cover all bases. So, if you are only renting out your property short term, for example, why not just compile the relevant info on the DIA? As we have stated, and until we know otherwise for sure, it is unclear whether this is necessary. However, far better to spend minutes and man-hours than fines and Euros! As ever, we will bring you further updates/news when we have it. Until then, keep asking – and answering – questions.”