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10h ago

Spain Begins Removal of 65,935 Airbnb Listings Over Licensing Violations

The Consumer Rights Ministry has initiated the delisting of 5,800 properties, with plans to expand removals as part of a broader crackdown on illegal short-term rentals.

FILE - Demonstrators march shouting slogans against the Formula 1 Barcelona Fan Festival in downtown Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, during residents protest against mass tourism. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)
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A demonstrator holds a house-shaped sign that reads "from touristic flat to temporary rent to Airbnb" during a protest to demand lower housing rental prices and better living conditions, in Barcelona, Spain, November 23, 2024.
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Overview

  • Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry has ordered Airbnb to block 65,935 listings for failing to meet licensing and ownership disclosure requirements.
  • The Madrid High Court has supported the immediate removal of 5,800 listings, with two additional orders planned to complete the full delisting process.
  • Consumer Minister Pablo Bustinduy aims to address widespread illegality in the short-term rental sector and prioritize housing availability for residents.
  • Airbnb intends to appeal the decision, arguing that the ministry lacks jurisdiction and used an indiscriminate approach to identify noncompliant listings.
  • The crackdown aligns with Spain's broader efforts to combat a housing affordability crisis exacerbated by overtourism and the proliferation of holiday rentals.