Ask Onix
Spain imposes €64m fine on Airbnb over illegal listings
The Spanish government has penalized Airbnb with a €64 million (£56 million) fine for promoting unlicensed rental apartments, including some prohibited from short-term leasing. Authorities ordered the removal of all non-compliant advertisements.
Government stance and Airbnb's response
Spain's Consumer Affairs Ministry stated the fine is final and cannot be appealed. However, Airbnb announced plans to contest the decision in court, arguing the ministry's actions violate Spanish regulations.
"We are confident that the Ministry of Consumer Affairs' actions are contrary to applicable regulations in Spain," Airbnb said in a statement.
A company spokesperson added that since July, Airbnb has been collaborating with the Ministry of Housing to enforce a new national registration system for short-term rentals.
Housing crisis fuels regulatory crackdown
Spain, a top global tourist destination, has seen its housing market strained by surging demand for short-term rentals. Officials warn that rising prices are displacing local residents, exacerbating affordability issues.
"Thousands of families are living on the edge due to housing, while a few profit from business models that push people out of their homes," said Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy.
Scope of violations and broader impact
The government identified 65,122 Airbnb listings that violated consumer rules, including properties without valid rental licenses or mismatched license numbers. Protests against Airbnb erupted in May as the summer tourism season approached.
Bustinduy reaffirmed the government's position on social media, stating: "We'll prove it as many times as necessary: no company, no matter how big or powerful, is above the law. Especially when it comes to housing."
Global trend of restricting short-term rentals
Spain joins cities like Barcelona, New York, Berlin, Paris, and even Airbnb's hometown of San Francisco in tightening regulations on short-term rentals. Concerns include neighborhood disruption, noise, and the impact of transient populations on local communities.
Airbnb, founded in 2007, gained popularity around 2014 as travelers sought affordable alternatives to hotels. However, many cities have since imposed limits due to complaints about unruly guests and absentee hosts.
