Airbnb to Remove Illegal Listings in the Canary Islands Amid Spanish Crackdown
The ever-growing popularity of the Canary Islands as a tourist destination has triggered a significant clampdown on illegal short-term rentals. Now, Airbnb is taking serious steps by agreeing to remove listings that violate regional housing laws, aligning with new regulations introduced by the Spanish government. This move represents a broader trend of governments tightening controls on the short-term rental industry, and it impacts property owners, tourists, and property managers alike.
Understanding the Crackdown in the Canary Islands
Spain’s Canary Islands, a hotspot for holidaymakers year-round, has experienced surging demand for holiday rentals. However, this surge has been accompanied by an enormous increase in unlicensed short-term rental properties, leading to concerns over housing affordability for locals and the sustainability of the tourist infrastructure.
Regional authorities estimate that there are over 50,000 illegal properties currently operating as holiday rentals in the Canary Islands. These properties often violate local zoning regulations, lack a proper registration number, and avoid taxation obligations. As a result, local communities are under pressure, with skyrocketing rental prices and reduced availability of long-term housing for residents.
To address this, the Canary Islands government reached an agreement with Airbnb to voluntarily remove illegal short-term rentals from its platform. Listings will now require proof of registration, and landlords will need to comply with new legal frameworks.
Airbnb’s Role and Response
Airbnb has pledged to help enforce compliance by using a new verification process. Only listings with a valid registration number—provided by local governments—will be allowed to remain active. This initiative follows similar efforts in Barcelona and other Spanish cities, where authorities have already cracked down on illegal rentals.
This move is part of Airbnb’s broader attempt to work more transparently with governments and maintain a sustainable model for tourism. It’s also a nod to growing resistance from residents across Spain, who argue that holiday rentals are driving locals out of their communities.
What This Means for Hosts and Property Managers
If you’re a property owner or holiday let manager in the Canary Islands, this development may significantly impact how you operate. Ensuring your property complies with local housing laws is no longer optional—it is now essential. Failure to do so could result in your listing being deactivated, and you could also face fines or other legal repercussions.
For those managing listings in the UK and looking to avoid similar pitfalls, learning from Spain’s enforcement approach is essential. Whether you manage properties in Bath, Bristol, or London, understanding local regulations is key to long-term success and sustainability.
The Bigger Picture in Spain
This isn’t just about the Canary Islands. Across Spain, major cities are seeing escalating tensions between tourists and residents. In places like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, local governments are tightening restrictions on short-term rentals. These measures include limiting the duration of stays, restricting the number of licenses issued, and enforcing zoning regulations that dictate where short-term rentals can operate.
Spain’s central government is also urging platforms like Airbnb to share data and improve transparency. This centralisation is designed to better track compliance and prevent the rise of ‘ghost hotels’—entire apartment blocks being used exclusively for tourists.
Tourism vs. Local Life: A Growing Conflict
The backlash against short-term rentals isn’t new, but it’s gaining momentum. Protests and campaigns have erupted from local communities who can no longer afford to live in their own neighbourhoods. Spanish locals argue that the over-saturation of holiday homes has led to inflated prices, noise pollution, and the erosion of community bonds.
The situation in the Canary Islands reflects a global debate about how to strike a balance between profitable tourism and preserving the liveability of popular destinations. Short-term rental regulation is becoming a necessary step in ensuring that communities remain vibrant, affordable, and accessible to their residents as well as tourists.
Lessons for UK Hosts and Property Owners
UK hosts can glean important lessons from this Spanish crackdown. Understanding the regulations governing short-term rentals in your city is crucial. For example, in London, hosts are subject to the 90-day rule, which significantly limits the number of nights a property can be let short-term in a calendar year. Many hosts remain unaware of these rules until they run into issues.
Successful Airbnb hosting is no longer just about design and location—it also involves legal compliance, meticulous management, and strategic pricing. For hosts serious about scaling their success in this sector, check out our guide on how to manage Airbnb properties.
Additionally, consider the importance of booking regulations and guest expectations. Ensuring your listing is up to date, legally compliant, and fully serviced can reinforce your reputation and future-proof your hosting business. Discover what guests look for in an Airbnb before you next update your property.
Final Thoughts
The removal of illegal Airbnb listings in the Canary Islands is a wake-up call for short-term rental hosts worldwide. As authorities become increasingly strategic in enforcing housing laws, compliance, community cooperation, and responsible property management are more important than ever. Whether you’re hosting in Tenerife or Oxford, understanding and adhering to regulations will protect your investments and support the local areas you operate in.
Looking for expert help with managing your Airbnb listings and ensuring they’re fully compliant? Visit our services page to see how we can support professional hosting, or learn more about how Airbnb best practices affect both hosts and travellers.