Spain orders Airbnb to remove thousands of unlawful holiday rentals

In recent developments across Spain, the government has taken significant steps against holiday rental listings on platforms like Airbnb. According to an announcement made by Spain's consumer rights ministry, over 65,000 properties have been flagged for not complying with local tourism regulations and laws regarding short-term rentals. This move follows growing public discontent surrounding the affordability of housing in major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, where protests have erupted against rising rental costs viewed as exacerbated by short-term holiday rentals. The identified listings either failed to include a proper license number, used incorrect information, or did not clarify whether the listings were operated by individuals or companies. This enforcement stems from a court ruling demanding immediate action to withdraw 5,800 specific properties, indicating a broader crackdown on the tourist accommodation market. Authorities are addressing concerns that the proliferation of short-term rentals has contributed to a serious housing affordability crisis, with average rental prices having doubled in the past decade. In response to this situation, protests have swept across various regions, including demonstrations in the Canary Islands where thousands of individuals voiced their frustration. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly acknowledged the imbalance of accommodation, noting an excess of short-term rentals compared to long-term housing availability. As the government continues to enforce these regulations, they are awaiting subsequent judicial rulings on the remaining listings that are deemed unlawful. Airbnb has stated its intent to appeal the court ruling and defend its listings, arguing that there is insufficient evidence of wrongdoing by their hosts. The backlash against over-tourism, particularly during the summer months when visitor numbers surge, illustrates the delicate balance between tourism and the housing crisis within Spain. Local governments are divided in their approach; while some are keen to regulate short-term rentals to preserve housing for residents, others have entered agreements with Airbnb for compliance with rental laws. As Spain prepares for a busy tourist season, the future of Airbnb's operations in the country hangs in the balance.