Spain orders Airbnb to pull thousands of unlicensed property ads: Officials say listings violated consumer laws and contributed to rising housing costs in tourist-heavy cities. This is a big move by Spain, and it’s something that definitely catches your attention. It’s a clear signal that the government is cracking down on the short-term rental market, and specifically, the impact that Airbnb is having. The removal of over 65,000 unlicensed ads is a significant number, and it suggests a widespread issue of properties being rented out without proper permits and adhering to local regulations.
The main reason for this action, as stated by officials, is that these listings violated consumer laws.… Continue reading
In response to Spain’s housing crisis and protests against short-term rentals, the Consumer Rights Ministry ordered Airbnb to remove over 65,000 listings for lacking proper licensing or registration information. This follows a court decision upholding the ministry’s authority and is part of broader efforts to address affordability concerns exacerbated by platforms like Airbnb. Airbnb plans to appeal, arguing the ministry’s methodology was indiscriminate and that it overstepped its authority. The removal process will occur in phases, with the first phase impacting thousands of listings nationwide.
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Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, defends the city’s plan to eliminate tourist flats by 2028, citing a drastic but necessary response to the soaring cost of housing. The initiative aims to return over 10,000 properties to the residential market and curb overtourism, although it faces legal challenges and potential reversal after the 2027 mayoral elections. While opponents argue the timeline is too long and the plan is economically damaging, the city maintains that half-measures have failed and this approach is simpler and clearer. The plan will be enforced by increased inspections to combat illegal rentals.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker