Spain flags 8,300 rental ads as Airbnb takes action

More than 8,300 rental adverts across two platforms in Spain are under scrutiny: on 30 October, Airbnb says it has begun steps to remove the listings flagged on its site. Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda says the adverts may break rental law.

The listings offer tourist properties as temporary lets but allow bookings of less than 31 days. Following a recent change to the law, the ministry says 31 days is the minimum for that type of contract. Its consumer affairs department says the adverts could mislead people.

Airbnb says it has told the affected hosts. It also says unclear rules and disputes between authorities are causing unnecessary confusion for hosts, tourism businesses, platforms and travellers. The company wants what it calls “fair and proportionate” regulation.

If the platforms do not remove the flagged adverts or block access to them, they could face a consumer affairs investigation. The ministry has previously fined Airbnb €64 million over thousands of tourist-property listings that broke the rules; more than 65,000 adverts were then removed. Booking also removed more than 4,000 adverts after an official request.

Topics: Tourism

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com