In a decisive move to address the escalating housing crisis and overtourism, Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry has ordered the removal of over 65,000 illegal holiday rental listings from Airbnb. This unprecedented action underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing housing regulations and ensuring affordable living for its residents.
The Scale of the Crackdown
On May 19, 2025, Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry mandated Airbnb to delist approximately 66,000 holiday rental properties that were found to violate national and regional housing laws. These violations included the absence of proper licensing, misrepresentation of ownership details, and the use of false licenses. The initial directive requires the immediate removal of 5,800 listings, with further instructions to follow, affecting properties nationwide, including in Madrid, Andalusia, and Catalonia.
This measure is part of a broader governmental effort to tackle the country’s housing affordability crisis, which has been exacerbated by the proliferation of short-term holiday rentals. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona have been particularly affected, as the growth of tourist accommodations has strained the housing supply for residents.
Legal Foundations and Enforcement
The crackdown is bolstered by Spain’s Royal Decree 1312/2024, which establishes a national registry for short-term rentals. Effective from July 1, 2025, this decree mandates that all short-term rental properties obtain a unique registration number, which must be displayed on online platforms like Airbnb. Failure to comply can result in the removal of listings and substantial fines.
Additionally, the Horizontal Property Law has been amended to empower homeowners’ associations to restrict or prohibit short-term rentals within their buildings. A three-fifths majority vote is now sufficient to impose such restrictions, giving residents greater control over the presence of tourist accommodations in their communities.
Regional Responses and Measures
Beyond national regulations, various Spanish regions have implemented their measures to control the short-term rental market:
- Barcelona: Plans to eliminate all 10,000 licensed short-term rental apartments by 2028 to protect long-term housing availability for residents.
- Málaga: Imposed a three-year freeze on new tourist rental licenses in 43 districts where holiday rentals exceed 8% of available housing.
- Seville: Introduced strict enforcement measures, including cutting off utilities to illegally operated rental properties.
- Ibiza: Authorities have fined 13 Airbnb hosts a total of €460,000 for operating illegal rentals, with individual fines reaching up to €120,000.
These regional actions reflect a concerted effort across Spain to regulate the short-term rental market and alleviate the pressure on the housing sector.
Airbnb’s Response and Industry Impact
Airbnb has expressed its intention to appeal the government’s decision, arguing that the ministry overstepped its authority and used an indiscriminate methodology that included listings not requiring licenses. The company contends that the enforcement measures have been applied broadly, affecting both compliant and non-compliant listings.
The crackdown has significant implications for property owners and investors in Spain’s short-term rental market. With stricter regulations and enforcement, property owners must ensure compliance with national and regional laws, including obtaining the necessary licenses and adhering to community restrictions. Failure to comply could result in fines, de-listing from rental platforms, and legal action from authorities.
Navigating the New Regulatory Landscape
For property owners and hosts, navigating the evolving regulatory landscape requires proactive measures:
- Registration: Ensure that all short-term rental properties are registered with the national registry and display the unique identification number on listings.
- Community Approval: Obtain explicit authorization from homeowners’ associations before offering properties for tourist rentals.
- Compliance: Stay informed about local and regional regulations that may affect rental activities, including license freezes and restrictions.
- Data Collection: Collect and report guest data as required by law to ensure transparency and compliance.
By adhering to these guidelines, property owners can continue to operate their short-term rentals legally and successfully in Spain. (Enova Estates)
Conclusion
Spain’s decisive action against illegal short-term rentals marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to housing and tourism. By enforcing stricter regulations and empowering communities, the government aims to balance the needs of residents with the demands of the tourism industry. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, property owners and hosts must stay informed and compliant to navigate the challenges and opportunities in Spain’s short-term rental market.
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[USnewsSphere.com / reu.]
