Fact Check: "In May 2025, Spain's government ordered Airbnb to remove almost 66,000 holiday rentals that violated local rules."
What We Know
In May 2025, the Spanish government announced a significant crackdown on Airbnb, ordering the removal of approximately 66,000 holiday rental listings from the platform. This decision was based on violations of local regulations concerning tourist accommodations. The Consumer Rights Ministry indicated that many of these listings lacked necessary license numbers, failed to specify whether the owner was an individual or a corporation, and contained discrepancies between the listed information and official records (BBC, AP News, Euronews).
The clampdown was part of a broader response to rising housing costs and public protests against over-tourism, particularly in popular areas like Madrid and Barcelona. The government emphasized that the action aimed to protect housing rights and address the growing affordability crisis in Spain, which has seen rental prices soar over the past decade (BBC, Reuters).
Analysis
The claim that Spain's government ordered Airbnb to remove nearly 66,000 holiday rentals in May 2025 is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The BBC, AP News, and Euronews all report similar details regarding the government's directive and the reasons behind it. The consistency across these reports lends credibility to the claim.
The Consumer Rights Minister, Pablo Bustinduy, articulated the government's stance, stating that the crackdown was necessary to combat the "lack of control" in the holiday rental market and protect the right to housing (BBC, Euronews). Furthermore, the announcement followed a court ruling that mandated the immediate withdrawal of nearly 5,000 specific properties, indicating a legal basis for the government's actions (BBC).
Airbnb's response to the government's order included plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the ministry's methodology was indiscriminate and that the responsibility for compliance lay with the hosts, not the platform itself (AP News, Euronews). This response highlights the ongoing tension between regulatory authorities and short-term rental platforms, which has been a significant issue in many cities worldwide.
Conclusion
The claim that Spain's government ordered Airbnb to remove almost 66,000 holiday rentals in May 2025 is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that the government took this action in response to regulatory violations and as part of a broader effort to address the housing affordability crisis exacerbated by short-term rentals.
Sources
- Spain clamps down on Airbnb as tourism backlash returns for summer - BBC
- Spain orders Airbnb to block nearly 66,000 holiday rental listings over ... - AP News
- Spain blocks more than 65,000 Airbnb holiday rental listings - Reuters
- Spain Orders Airbnb to Take Down 66000 Rental Listings - New York Times
- Spain orders removal of more than 65,000 Airbnb tourist ... - Euronews
- Spain Orders Airbnb to Block Nearly 66,000 Holiday Rental Listings Over ... - US News
- Spain takes on rental company, aims to protect housing rights - DJC Oregon
- Spain takes on rental company, aims to protect housing rights - DJC Oregon
