Fact Check: The authorities in Barcelona announced a complete ban on short-term rentals to tourists starting in 2028.

Fact Check: Authorities in Barcelona Announce Complete Ban on Short-Term Rentals to Tourists Starting in 2028

What We Know

Barcelona City Hall has officially announced a plan to ban all short-term rentals to tourists by November 2028. This decision affects approximately 10,101 apartments that currently hold tourist rental licenses, which will not be renewed once they expire (BBC, Reuters). The city's Deputy Mayor, Laia Bonet, emphasized that the move aims to prioritize housing for full-time residents amid rising rents and a housing crisis that has seen rental prices soar by 68% over the past decade (AP News, Forbes).

The decision comes in response to growing public sentiment against overtourism and its impact on local communities, with many residents feeling priced out of their own neighborhoods (BBC). Protests have erupted in the city, with demonstrators calling for an end to practices that exacerbate the housing crisis (AP News).

Analysis

The announcement from Barcelona's authorities is corroborated by multiple reputable sources, including major news outlets like CNN and Reuters. These reports confirm that the city is taking significant steps to address the housing crisis by phasing out short-term rentals, which have been linked to rising living costs and displacement of local residents.

The credibility of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The information provided aligns with the broader context of housing issues in tourist-heavy cities, where the balance between tourism and local living conditions is increasingly contentious (Forbes, Lodgify).

However, some property owners and stakeholders in the tourism sector have expressed concerns about the potential economic impact of such a ban, arguing that it could lead to a shortage of temporary accommodations for visitors (AP News, Forbes). This perspective highlights the ongoing debate about the best approach to manage tourism while ensuring affordable housing for residents.

Conclusion

The claim that authorities in Barcelona have announced a complete ban on short-term rentals to tourists starting in 2028 is True. The decision is backed by official statements from city officials and is supported by multiple credible news sources. The ban is a response to the growing housing crisis exacerbated by the influx of short-term rentals, aiming to prioritize the needs of local residents over tourism.

Sources

1. The protesters and residents pushing back on tourism in ...
2. Barcelona plans to shut all holiday apartments by 2028
3. Barcelona wants to end short-term rentals. Will other tourist ...
4. Barcelona short-term rental ban: What's next for your vacation rental ...
5. Barcelona Announces Plan To Ban Tourist Rental Apartments By 2028 - Forbes
6. FCBarca.com - Centrum kibica FC Barcelony
7. Barcelona ending apartment rentals by foreign tourists - CNN
8. What to Know About Barcelona's Upcoming Short-Term Rental Ban - Lodgify