The Valencia government is to embark on a campaign aimed at rooting out illegal rental agencies and owners that are operating on the Costa Blanca. The Ministry of the Economy, Industry, Tourism and Employment say that they are now in the process of preparing a plan, which will punish companies which currently market homes in tourist areas irregularly.

Some portals advertise properties without the minimum safety and quality certificates and authorities and without proper registration at the Generalitat. Anyone contravening the law will face fines of between €50,000 and €90,000. The owner of the holiday apartment or property will be responsible in paying the same fines as those responsible for the website.

The plan was announced in Valencia last week by the Minister of Economy, Maximo Buch and it was welcomed by both the hotel and non-hotel sectors, hoping that Valencia will follow the example of Catalonia, whose Ministry was the first to take action against illegal portals.