Spain Orders Removal of Over Sixty Five Thousand Airbnb Listings

In a sweeping move to curb the proliferation of unregulated short-term rentals, the Spanish government has ordered Airbnb to block over sixty five thousand rental listings on its platform that violate national regulations.

The action, announced on May 19, 2025, comes amid escalating concerns over housing affordability and rental market pressures in major Spanish cities, notably Madrid and Barcelona.

The Spanish Ministry of Consumer Rights clarified that many of the identified listings lacked mandatory license numbers, failed to disclose whether the property owner was an individual or a company, or presented registration numbers inconsistent with official records.

Spain has faced a worsening housing affordability crisis in recent years. According to the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, rising rents and property prices have disproportionately impacted urban centers. Key drivers include the expansion of platforms like Airbnb, which many critics argue have reduced the availability of homes for permanent residents.

Social unrest has been palpable, with thousands of citizens taking to the streets to protest against what they perceive as an erosion of housing rights. Demonstrators contend that short-term rentals exacerbate housing scarcity, pushing locals out of their neighborhoods.

The Ministry stressed that this intervention is not targeting lawful operators but is focused on eradicating listings that circumvent licensing rules designed to safeguard housing stock for residents.

Despite this opposition, Airbnb faces mounting pressure as Spanish authorities continue to enforce regulations. The company has committed to collaborating with regulators to ensure that hosts comply with legal requirements but maintains a firm stance against blanket bans.

The regulation of short-term rentals impacts a broad range of stakeholders. While the measures aim to stabilize housing availability for local residents, concerns exist about the effect on tourism-related income, small landlords, and the broader sharing economy.

Industry experts argue that balanced policies are essential to protect both housing rights and the economic benefits tourism brings. Sustainable tourism development frameworks advocated by organizations like UNWTO stress the importance of harmonizing local community interests with visitor demand.

The government also plans to introduce support measures for responsible hosts, including education campaigns and incentives to encourage full compliance.

As Spain moves forward, the balance between tourism growth and housing protection remains a critical policy challenge, with authorities poised to adapt strategies in response to evolving market conditions.