Mon May 19 16:10:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry has ordered Airbnb to remove over 65,000 holiday listings from its platform due to violations of housing regulations. These violations include missing license numbers or failing to properly identify the owner as an individual or company. The government action comes amidst a growing housing affordability crisis in Spain, with citizens protesting the impact of short-term rentals on housing costs. Airbnb plans to appeal the decision, arguing the ministry lacks the authority to regulate short-term rentals and used a flawed methodology. This move follows Barcelona’s announcement to eliminate all licensed short-term rentals by 2028.
**News Article:**
**Spain Orders Airbnb to Block Over 65,000 Holiday Listings**
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MADRID (AP) — Spain has directed Airbnb to block more than 65,000 holiday listings on its platform for violating housing regulations, the Consumer Rights Ministry announced Monday.
The ministry stated that the ordered removals are due to listings lacking required license numbers or failing to properly identify whether the owner is an individual or a company. This action comes amid escalating concerns over housing affordability in Spain and widespread protests against short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, accused of driving up rental costs.
“Enough already with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing,” Consumer Minister Pablo Bustinduy told reporters.
Airbnb has stated its intention to appeal the decision, claiming that the ministry lacks the authority to regulate short-term rentals and that the ministry’s methodology was flawed.
The government said Madrid’s high court had backed the order sent to Airbnb. The first phase involves removing 5,800 listings, followed by two subsequent orders to reach the nearly 66,000 total. Affected properties are located across Spain, including in Madrid, Andalusia, and Catalonia.
This move follows Barcelona’s prior announcement to eliminate all 10,000 licensed short-term rental apartments by 2028 in an effort to safeguard housing for full-time residents.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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