Spain blocks 65,000 tourist rentals for breaching regulations
Spain has ordered Airbnb to remove over 65,000 holiday rental listings for breaching regulations, including missing license numbers and unclear ownership records.
The crackdown comes amid a housing affordability crisis in Spain, with rising rents and home prices blamed on the proliferation of short-term rentals.
Barcelona is planning to phase out all 10,000 licensed short-term rental apartments by 2028 to prioritise housing for permanent residents.
Consumer Minister Pablo Bustinduy aims to end the "lack of control" and "illegality" in the holiday rental business, addressing citizen concerns.
Airbnb stated that it always asks hosts to confirm they have permission to rent and abide by local rules, and that the ministry lacks authority over short-term rentals.
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