Fact Check: Barcelona plans to eliminate all 10,000 short-term rental licenses by 2028 as part of its efforts to address the housing crisis exacerbated by tourism.

Fact Check: Barcelona Plans to Eliminate All 10,000 Short-Term Rental Licenses by 2028

What We Know

Barcelona's city government has announced a significant policy change aimed at addressing the housing crisis exacerbated by tourism. According to Reuters, the leftist mayor, Jaume Collboni, stated that by November 2028, the city would scrap the licenses for all 10,101 currently approved short-term rental apartments. This decision is part of a broader strategy to make housing more affordable for residents, as rental prices have surged by 68% over the past decade, making it increasingly difficult for locals to find affordable housing.

The mayor emphasized that the move is intended to confront what he termed "Barcelona’s largest problem," which is the impact of tourism on local housing availability (The Guardian). The city has been grappling with the consequences of its popularity as a tourist destination, which has led to rising rents and a shortage of housing for residents.

Analysis

The claim that Barcelona plans to eliminate all short-term rental licenses by 2028 is supported by multiple credible sources. The announcement was made during a city government event, and the mayor's statements were reported by major news outlets such as The Guardian and Forbes. These reports confirm the timeline and the number of licenses affected, indicating a well-coordinated effort by the city to tackle the housing crisis.

However, there are concerns regarding the potential consequences of this policy. The local tourist apartments association, Apartur, has criticized the move, suggesting it could lead to increased poverty and unemployment, as well as a rise in illegal rentals (The Guardian). This indicates a divide in opinions on the effectiveness of the proposed ban, highlighting the complexities of balancing tourism and local housing needs.

The sources reporting on this issue are generally reliable, with established news organizations like Reuters and The Guardian providing thorough coverage. However, it is essential to consider the potential biases of different stakeholders involved, such as tourism associations, which may have vested interests in maintaining the status quo of short-term rentals.

Conclusion

The claim that Barcelona plans to eliminate all 10,000 short-term rental licenses by 2028 is True. The city's government has officially announced this plan as part of its strategy to address the housing crisis caused by rising tourism. The decision has been widely reported and confirmed by multiple credible sources, reflecting a significant policy shift aimed at prioritizing local residents' housing needs over tourist accommodations.

Fact Check: Barcelona plans to eliminate all 10,000 short-term rental licenses by 2028 as part of its efforts to address the housing crisis exacerbated by tourism.