Spanish government says housing market is not a ‘free for all’ after recent crackdown on Airbnb

Madrid (AP) – Spain’s government recently took a stand against Airbnb, emphasizing that the Spanish economy and housing market should not prioritize profits over following the law, a government official told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The government required Airbnb to remove nearly 66,000 vacation rentals from its platform for violating local regulations, such as not listing license numbers correctly or failing to specify the property’s owner. Airbnb is challenging this decision.

Spain, a popular tourist destination, received a record 94 million international visitors last year. However, cities like Madrid and Barcelona face significant housing affordability issues, partly due to the impact of short-term holiday rentals, with Airbnb being a prominent player in this sector.

Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy highlighted the link between the rise of Airbnb and escalating rents and housing costs in Spain. He stressed the importance of conducting tourism and other economic activities sustainably, without compromising the constitutional rights of Spanish citizens, including the right to housing and well-being.

The country has witnessed large protests demanding government action on housing, with signs at marches expressing discontent with Airbnb’s presence in neighborhoods. Bustinduy emphasized the need to strike a balance between protecting citizens’ rights and promoting economic activities.

Regional governments are also addressing the issue, with Barcelona planning to phase out 10,000 licensed short-term rental apartments by 2028 to safeguard housing for permanent residents. While Airbnb awaits the outcome of its appeal, it stated that holiday rentals on its platform will remain available.

Bustinduy underscored the importance of holding tech companies like Airbnb accountable, rejecting the notion that Spain’s actions might deter tourists. He advocated for responsible tourism and criticized low-cost airlines for charging passengers for hand luggage, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring companies comply with regulations.