Common
‍Questions

Under Malta's 2026 regulations, operating a short-let property without a valid MTA licence can result in a 3-year disqualification from obtaining a licence, in addition to financial penalties. Eleva ensures your property is fully licensed and compliant before accepting any bookings.

Once licensed, you must: display the MTA licence number on every listing (Airbnb, Booking.com, and any other platform); place a physical notice at the property showing the licence number and a 24/7 emergency contact number; notify the building administrator if your property is in a condominium; maintain a waste collection management plan; and ensure full VAT and fiscal receipt compliance for all rental income. Eleva manages all of this as part of our standard service.

Required documents include: valid ID of the applicant; proof of ownership or a signed lease contract; written owner consent if the applicant is not the property owner; third-party liability insurance with a minimum coverage of €250,000; building permits and compliance evidence; and a certified Perit (architect) declaration confirming the property's conformity and habitability. Eleva coordinates the Perit and prepares the full file on your behalf.

The MTA targets 5 working days for initial document vetting (this clock pauses if anything is missing), followed by a physical property inspection and a further 10 working days for final approval. In practice, plan for 4–6 weeks from submission to licence in hand. We submit everything correctly the first time to avoid delays.

The current MTA fee is approximately €130 per unit for properties in Malta and €104 per unit for properties in Gozo. Fees are paid directly to the MTA and are separate from Eleva's management fees. We handle the full application on your behalf.

Yes. MTA licences are property-specific, not per owner or agency. If you own three apartments, you need three separate licences — each with its own application, inspection, and fee. There is no blanket licence that covers multiple units.

Yes. You can block out dates for personal use directly through the owner portal. We just ask for reasonable notice so we don't block potential high-value bookings.

We process owner payouts on a monthly basis. You'll receive a detailed statement via the owner portal showing gross revenue, management fees, and net payout. Funds are transferred directly to your bank account via SEPA.

Yes, it is legal. You must have a valid MTA (Malta Tourism Authority) license to operate a short-let property. We assist all our clients in navigating the licensing process and ensuring full compliance with local regulations.

Short-let income in Malta is typically subject to a 15% final withholding tax (for individuals). There is also an Eco-Tax of €0.50 per adult per night, which we collect from guests and remit to the authorities on your behalf.

The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) requires all holiday rentals to be licensed. This ensures properties meet safety and quality standards. Operating without one can result in significant fines. We manage the entire application process for you.

Earnings vary by location and property type. Prime areas like Sliema and Valletta typically see 75–85% occupancy with ADRs ranging from €120 to €300+. Our clients usually see a 30–50% uplift compared to long-term rentals.

We perform inspections after every stay. Most damage is covered by platform protections like Airbnb AirCover. We also vet guests through advanced screening protocols and high-rating requirements to minimize risk.

We use professional hotel-standard housekeeping teams. Guests pay a cleaning fee separately, which covers the professional turn-around of your property, including premium linens and luxury toiletries.

Our comprehensive fee covers professional listing creation, AI dynamic pricing, 24/7 guest communication, coordination of professional cleaning, maintenance management, and full access to our owner portal for real-time tracking. The fee is calculated net of OTA commissions (like Airbnb's 15%).