Spain's government has taken a decisive step in the battle against unregulated holiday rentals by ordering Airbnb to block more than 65,000 listings on its platform for violating rules. This move comes as part of a broader effort to address the housing affordability crisis gripping the country, with rising housing and rental costs fueling widespread protests in recent months.
The Consumer Rights Ministry revealed that many of the 65,935 Airbnb listings marked for removal lacked essential information such as license numbers or clear ownership status, leading to confusion and noncompliance with regulations. This crackdown underscores the government's determination to rein in the unchecked growth of short-term rental companies like Airbnb, which have significantly impacted housing availability in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
Consumer Minister Pablo Bustinduy emphasized the need to combat illegality and improve oversight within the holiday rental sector, criticizing the exploitation of housing rights for profit. Spain has seen a surge in holiday rental licenses, with approximately 321,000 properties authorized for short-term rentals as of last year, a 15% increase from the previous year. However, many more operate without official approval, exacerbating housing shortages and affordability issues.
In response to the government's directive, Airbnb plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the ministry lacks the authority to regulate short-term rentals and that its enforcement approach is overly broad. The company contends that some of the listings targeted for removal do not require licenses to operate, raising questions about the methodology used to identify noncompliant properties.
The crackdown on unlicensed holiday rentals is not exclusive to Airbnb, as cities like Barcelona have implemented their own measures to protect housing stock for permanent residents. Barcelona announced a plan to phase out all 10,000 licensed short-term rental apartments by 2028, signaling a shift towards prioritizing long-term housing solutions over tourist accommodations.
Despite Airbnb's intention to challenge the government's order, Spain's high court has upheld the decision, mandating the immediate removal of 5,800 listings from the platform. Additional rounds of removal orders will follow until the full quota of nearly 66,000 noncompliant properties is addressed, dispersing the impact across various regions in the country, including Madrid, Andalusia, and Catalonia.
By cracking down on unlicensed holiday rentals, Spain aims to restore balance to its housing market and alleviate the pressures created by the proliferation of short-term accommodations. The government's actions signal a commitment to safeguarding housing rights and addressing the needs of local communities amidst the challenges posed by the tourism industry's rapid expansion.
