EU approves ‘Airbnb Law’ mandating data sharing for short-term rental platforms

A new “Airbnb Law” has been passed by the European Parliament to improve short-term rental transparency with local governments. Short-term rental platforms, such as Book with GuestReady, Airbnb, Booking, and others, must share data with local authorities monthly. Smaller platforms will need to do so every three months.

Random verification checks will also be implemented to combat illegal rentals. The data-sharing law, written by Dutch Green lawmaker Kim Van Sparrentak, should help authorities remove illegal listings and improve access to affordable housing.

Airbnb has already released a statement welcoming the new rules. Georige Browes, Head of EU Policy at Airbnb, said: “EU rules mark the beginning of a new chapter for short-term rentals in Europe. For the first time, the rules of the road are clear, benefiting Hosts, authorities, and Europe’s tourism offer to visitors. We stand ready to work with Member States and their local authorities on the implementation of the rules to ensure they are a success for everyone.”

The remainder of this article will explain the Airbnb law in more detail, including what data platforms will need to share, when platforms must comply, and more.

 

Key takeaways:

• Short-term rentals will need to share data with local governments
• Random verification checks will be implemented
• The new law aims to remove illegal listings and improve access to housing for local residents

 

What is the new “Airbnb Law?”

Although not its official name, many are calling it the “Airbnb Law.” The new law, passed by the European Parliament in February 2024, aims to curb short-term rentals, which are a big problem in the EU.

Tourist-heavy EU cities, such as Amsterdam, Paris, and Lisbon, have too many short-term rentals and need more affordable housing for local residents. Major European cities are becoming tourism-dominant, forcing local residents out of the major cities and into more urban areas.

Data sharing will improve transparency with local governments. It will also help remove illegal listings, making housing more affordable and accessible to local residents.

Short-term rental platforms, such as Book with GuestReady, Airbnb, Booking, HomeTogo, Vrbo, and others, must share data with local authorities monthly. Smaller platforms must do so every three months. The type of data will include:

• Identity of the host
• Contact details
• The exact location and address of the rental unit
• Maximum number of beds/occupants at one time

Random verification checks will also be conducted to further combat illegal listings.

 

The EU housing issue for local residents

In the parliamentary debate last month, Kim Van Sparrentak used the capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, to demonstrate the extent of the housing issue in major EU cities. In the capital, 78% of Airbnb listings are entire homes or apartments. Sparrentak went on to say, “That means that almost 7,000 homes or apartments are rented out for tourism rather than for residents.”

In fact, the housing issue got so bad in Barcelona, Spain, that the City banned short-term private room rentals back in 2021. Lisbon also banned new short-term rentals in the City to combat the housing crisis.

Data sharing and random verification checks aim to remove illegal listings, increasing affordable housing for residents of EU cities.

 

Local bodies and rental platforms have 24 months before they have to comply

Once the new law has been approved by the EU Parliament, short-term rental platforms and local bodies will have 24 months to comply with it. It may take some time to see a change in the EU housing situation for local residents, but once in full force, we should see tangible benefits for local residents.

Furthermore, as Airbnb mentioned, the more consistent short-term rental regulations and rules should make it simpler for hosts to register with their local authority and adhere to the rules.

 

FAQs

How does the new law affect current short-term rental listings?
Current listings will need to comply with the new regulations, including data sharing and adherence to local housing laws.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?
While specifics may vary by locality, potential penalties could include fines, listing removal, and legal action for repeat offenders.

Are there exceptions to the new rules?
The law primarily targets platforms and hosts with a significant number of listings. Smaller platforms and occasional hosts may face less stringent requirements, but all must adhere to the basic principle of data sharing.

 

Partnering with GuestReady

The introduction of the “Airbnb Law” by the European Parliament marks a significant turning point in the management and operation of short-term lets across the EU. Whilst it poses new challenges, it also presents an opportunity for hosts to align with more sustainable and community-friendly practices. For those navigating these changes, the complexity of compliance and the need for efficient management of properties have never been more critical.

This is where GuestReady comes into play. As a leading short-term rental company, GuestReady offers comprehensive support to hosts looking to optimise their short-term lets whilst adhering to the new regulations.

From managing data-sharing requirements with local authorities to ensuring your property meets all legal standards, GuestReady can ease the transition into this new regulatory environment. Our expertise not only simplifies compliance but also enhances your property’s appeal to guests, potentially increasing your rental income. Get in touch!