Madrid, December 16 – The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has identified more than 15,000 illegal tourist apartment listings on Airbnb in Madrid, yet only 300 of these have been successfully removed, according to sources from the Ministry speaking to EFE. This disparity underscores the significant challenges in regulating the short-term rental market in the Spanish capital.
Illegal Listings and Regulatory Loopholes
All identified listings in Madrid were found to be non-compliant with regulations due to the use of false registration numbers. However, no penalties were issued for the absence of a registration number itself, as Madrid’s regional regulations-similar to those in Andalusia and Extremadura-did not previously mandate its inclusion. This regulatory gap largely explains why the number of removed listings in Madrid is substantially lower compared to other autonomous communities in Spain.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs described Madrid’s situation as “particularly striking.” Despite the detection of 15,200 illegal listings, the Ministry found itself unable to enforce their removal, citing municipal jurisdiction as the primary impediment. This highlights a critical point of friction between national oversight and local governance in the enforcement of housing regulations.
Nationwide Context and Airbnb Sanctions
Across Spain, the Ministry identified a total of 65,122 illicit listings on Airbnb. This widespread non-compliance has led to a substantial sanction of 64 million euros imposed on the company. The majority of properties penalized for lacking a registration number were concentrated in the Valencian Community (21,807) and the Canary Islands (12,486). Listings featuring false registration numbers predominantly appeared in Andalusia (3,352) out of a total of 5,769 such cases nationwide.
It is important to note that all these cases predate the implementation of the Single Digital Window, a new regulatory framework that now mandates the inclusion of a registration number for all tourist accommodation listings across Spain. This new measure aims to streamline and strengthen the enforcement of regulations in the short-term rental sector.
Impact on Local Markets and Future Outlook
The proliferation of illegal tourist apartments has significant implications for Madrid’s housing market, contributing to rising rental prices and reducing the availability of long-term housing for residents. The slow pace of removals, despite clear identification of illegal activity, exacerbates these issues and frustrates efforts to create a more balanced urban environment.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs’ actions against Airbnb, including the substantial fine, signal a growing determination by Spanish authorities to bring the short-term rental market under stricter control. While the new Single Digital Window is expected to facilitate better compliance and enforcement, the case of Madrid illustrates the complexities arising from differing regional regulations and jurisdictional boundaries.
The ongoing efforts to regulate tourist apartments are part of a broader national strategy to ensure fair competition, protect consumers, and address the impact of tourism on local communities. The outcome in Madrid will be a crucial indicator of the effectiveness of these regulatory measures in major tourist destinations across Spain.
Source: https://www.telemadrid.es/noticias/madrid/Madrid-tiene-mas-de-15000-anuncios-de-pisos-turisticos-ilegales-en-Airbnb-pero-solo-se-han-retirado-300-0-2844015585–20251216010829.html
