Fact Check: "Spain's government ordered Airbnb to remove nearly 66,000 holiday rentals in June 2025 for violating local rules."
What We Know
In June 2025, the Spanish government mandated that Airbnb remove approximately 66,000 holiday rental listings from its platform due to violations of local regulations concerning tourist accommodations. The Consumer Rights Ministry indicated that many of these listings either lacked proper licensing, had incorrect license numbers, or failed to clarify whether the property was owned by an individual or a corporation (BBC, AP). This action was part of a broader effort to address Spain's housing affordability crisis, which has been exacerbated by the proliferation of short-term rentals (Reuters, New York Times).
The government’s decision followed a court ruling that required Airbnb to withdraw nearly 5,000 specific properties immediately, with the remaining listings subject to further judicial review (BBC). The crackdown coincided with rising public protests against over-tourism and the impact of holiday rentals on local housing markets, particularly in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona (AP).
Analysis
The claim that Spain's government ordered Airbnb to remove nearly 66,000 holiday rentals is substantiated by multiple reputable sources. The BBC and AP both report on the government's directive, detailing the reasons behind the removals, which include violations of licensing requirements. The sources are credible, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity.
The New York Times and Reuters provide additional context regarding the housing crisis in Spain, highlighting the social and political implications of the government's actions. The reports indicate that the crackdown is part of a larger trend of governmental efforts to prioritize housing rights over commercial interests in the tourism sector.
Airbnb's response to the government's order, stating that it would appeal the decision, adds a layer of complexity to the situation. The company argues that the methodology used to identify non-compliant listings was indiscriminate and that many properties do not require a license to operate (AP). This counter-argument, however, does not negate the government's legal basis for the removals, as outlined in the court rulings.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Spain's government ordered Airbnb to remove nearly 66,000 holiday rentals in June 2025 for violating local rules is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the government took this action to address significant regulatory violations and to combat the housing crisis affecting many Spaniards. The context of rising public concern over housing affordability and the impact of short-term rentals further supports the validity of this claim.
