The Spanish government has levied a €64 million (£56 million) fine against Airbnb, the property rental platform, for advertising apartments lacking proper licenses.
Authorities stated that some properties listed on the popular platform were prohibited from being rented out altogether.
The penalty mandates that Airbnb remove listings promoting unlicensed properties. While the Consumer Affairs Ministry has deemed the fine unappealable, Airbnb has indicated its intent to challenge the decision in court.
Spain, a leading global tourist destination, benefits from a robust tourism economy. However, this has raised concerns regarding housing affordability, as high demand from visitors drives up property prices, potentially displacing local residents.
“There are thousands of families who are living on the edge due to housing, while a few get rich with business models that expel people from their homes,” stated Spain’s consumer rights minister Pablo Bustinduy.
In response, Airbnb issued a statement asserting its “confidence that the Ministry of Consumer Affairs’ actions are contrary to applicable regulations in Spain”.
A spokesperson added that following changes to short-term rental regulations in Spain in July, Airbnb has been “closely collaborating with Spain’s Ministry of Housing to support the enforcement of the new national registration system”.
Like numerous other nations, the Spanish government expresses apprehension about the potential impact of short-term holiday rentals on neighborhoods, particularly due to the transient nature of holidaymakers.
The country has been engaged in efforts to regulate Airbnb listings, including implementing bans and restrictions on the number of properties the company can advertise. In May, demonstrations were held against the firm in anticipation of the peak summer season.
Spanish authorities reported that 65,122 Airbnb listings violated consumer protection regulations, including the promotion of unlicensed rental properties and properties with license numbers that did not match official records.
Writing on social network Bluesky, Mr. Bustinduy stated: “We’ll prove it as many times as necessary: no company, no matter how big or powerful, is above the law. Even less so when it comes to housing.”
Globally, several popular tourist cities, including Barcelona, New York, Berlin, Paris, and San Francisco (where Airbnb was founded), have implemented significant restrictions on Airbnb operations.
The tech firm, established in 2007, gained widespread popularity around 2014 as tourists sought affordable accommodation options that circumvented hotel taxes.
The platform experienced rapid user growth as individuals could become “hosts” and earn income by renting out spare rooms. However, many major cities have since imposed limits on these types of rentals due to concerns about noise complaints and absentee hosts.
Nevena Khediri says her tenant left her property in an “indescribable” state after her eviction.
The properties were constructed on a derelict site in the Ross-shire town.
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