Spain fines Airbnb €64m in crackdown on tourist rentals

(Sharecast News) - The Spanish government has fined Airbnb €64m for advertising unauthorised rental properties, it was announced on Monday. Spain is one of the world's most visited countries with a significant tourist economy. However, surging housing costs has seen a pushback against tourism rentals through sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com.

The consumer rights ministry said the fine was intended to help tackle Spain's housing crisis.

"There are thousands of families living on the edge because of housing, while a few get rich from business models that drive people from their homes," consumer rights minister Pablo Bustinduy said in a statement.

Writing on social media, he added: "Housing is the main problem for working families. That's why we're taking action by imposing a record find of €64m on Airbnb for violating consumer protection regulations.

"No major economic player is above the law."

Airbnb said it would appeal.

A spokesperson told Reuters: "Airbnb is confident that the ministry's actions are contrary to applicable regulations in Spain and we intend to challenge this fine in court."

Airbnb withdrew 65,000 listings in July after the Spanish government changed short-term rental regulations. At the time, Madrid said the adverts included properties that were not licenced to be rented, while others had incorrect licence numbers.

Airbnb added that it was "closely collaborating" with the Ministry of Housing to support the new national registration system.