Spain’s government has ordered Airbnb to block a staggering 65,935 rental listings within the country, a decision that follows a court’s rejection of the company’s appeal. The Consumer Rights Ministry identified these listings as violators of local laws. Madrid’s government argues that these violations are exacerbating Spain’s deepening ongoing housing crisis.
The Spanish court has made an extremely positive ruling. At the same time, the government is trying to address the impacts that mass tourism has had on local communities. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo stated that the administration must confront the unwanted side effects associated with an influx of tourists. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Cuerpo underscored the need to prioritize residents’ rights over tourism.
Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy revisited these emotional comments in an interview with The Associated Press. He unequivocally declared that the tourism industry should defend constitutional rights of Spanish citizens. This means protecting their right to a safe, attainable home while addressing their health and happiness. Bustinduy’s remarks are telling of the government’s new priorities in addressing the role that shortterm rentals play in Spain’s housing crisis.
The stage of this legal skirmish is set against the backdrop of Spain’s record levels of tourism, which have skyrocketed over the last few years. Though the industry makes a lot of money, local officials are concerned about its impact on their communities’ housing markets. The government’s stance reflects a growing trend among cities worldwide as they grapple with similar issues arising from the sharing economy.
The court’s decision to uphold the order against Airbnb reinforces the government’s commitment to regulating short-term rentals more strictly. Perhaps most importantly, it indicates a wider desire to reduce the pressure on year-round residents in destination cities and towns where tourists have sometimes overtaken locals. That means about 66,000 listings could be affected by the ruling in a way that will completely transform Airbnb’s business model in Spain.
