Spanish Court Sides with Government, Orders Airbnb to Block 66,000 Listings

Court Rejects Airbnb’s Appeal

A Madrid court upheld a government order to block nearly 66,000 Airbnb listings that violated local housing regulations. Airbnb’s appeal was dismissed, keeping the initial order fully in place and reinforcing Spain’s regulatory approach.

The platform was required to immediately remove 5,800 listings flagged as most serious by the Consumer Rights Ministry.

Government Cracks Down on Over tourism

Spain blames short-term rentals for worsening housing shortages, especially in major cities and tourist-heavy neighbourhoods. Officials say unlicensed rentals hurt locals by driving up housing prices and decreasing long-term rental availability.

The blocked listings lacked valid license numbers or failed to show if the owner was a company or an individual.

Airbnb Responds with Pushback

Airbnb insists Spanish law holds hosts, not platforms, responsible for listing accuracy and regulatory compliance. The company called the court’s decision procedural and said the legality of the order still awaits deeper review.

Airbnb argues the housing crisis is due to low housing supply, not short-term rental platforms.

Ministers Call for Balance

Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy said “Tourism cannot jeopardise Spaniards’ constitutional right to housing”.

Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo echoed this, urging new housing construction alongside tighter rental regulations.

Both ministers emphasised the need to manage tourism’s impact while preserving quality of life for residents.

A Broader Impact for Tourism

This ruling may reshape how short-term rentals operate across Spain, particularly in high-demand areas. The decision sends a clear message: housing policy will prioritise residents over unchecked tourist expansion.

Spain joins a growing list of countries enforcing stricter controls on short-term vacation rentals to fight over tourism.