Airbnb Faces Crackdown in the Canary Islands Amid Push to Remove Illegal Listings

Airbnb hosts in Spain’s Canary Islands are facing a wave of uncertainty as regional authorities launch a large-scale crackdown on illegal short-term rentals. Following years of tourism-driven housing tensions and spiralling rents, the Spanish islands have pushed Airbnb and other platforms to remove thousands of unlawful holiday lets. These changes stand to significantly impact hosts, travellers, and local residents alike.

What’s Happening with Airbnb in the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands’ government has requested that Airbnb remove up to 5,000 property listings that do not comply with local regulations. This move is part of a broader response to the mounting housing crisis across Spain’s top tourist destinations, where locals are increasingly priced out of the market due to the proliferation of short-term holiday lets.

These illegal listings are suspected of operating without necessary registration or failing to meet local compliance criteria. Airbnb and the Canary Islands government are currently in negotiations to ensure all advertised properties meet legal and quality standards.

The Islands’ President, Fernando Clavijo, noted that, “Illegal holiday lets are increasing rental prices and displacing residents.” He also stated that stricter regulations are in development to ensure a clear distinction between professional and casual hosts. The goal: balance tourism demands with the need for affordable housing.

Why the Crackdown Now?

Spain, particularly cities and islands reliant on tourism, has seen a surge in tourism post-COVID. While this has been a boon for the economy, it has also led to unintended side effects: rising costs of living, overcrowding, and a shortage of long-term rental options for locals.

Local residents and politicians argue this trend is being aggravated by platforms like Airbnb, which allow property owners to prioritise short-term profits over long-term rentals. In some areas, up to 30% of the rental stock is now dedicated to holiday accommodation. This dramatic shift has fuelled protests and calls for regulatory reform across the archipelago.

What Hosts Need to Know

If you’re an Airbnb host in the Canary Islands—or even managing properties in any tourist-heavy area—this is a wake-up call. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Make sure your property is legally registered and meets all local compliance regulations.
• Stay informed about new legislation—governments are increasingly cracking down on short-term lets without valid permits.
• Professional management services can help ensure your property remains compliant and profitable. For insights, check out our guide on how to manage Airbnb properties.

Hosts operating in highly saturated markets should also consider diversification or long-term letting as alternative strategies in the face of growing regulation.

Impacts on Tourists and Travellers

Travellers heading to the Canary Islands might notice fewer Airbnb listings in the coming months. This could push up prices for the remaining legal properties, particularly during peak travel periods. For holidaymakers planning a trip, it’s essential to book early and ensure their chosen accommodation is properly licensed to avoid cancellations due to regulatory action.

To help make the most of your travel experience (without falling into legal pitfalls), consider reading our guide on what to know when booking an Airbnb for your holiday.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Airbnb?

This crackdown in the Canary Islands is far from an isolated event. Similar actions have been taken or proposed in other global cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, and New York. More governments are introducing 90-day rules or mandatory license systems to control short-term lets.

For homeowners and property investors, there’s increasing pressure to partner with experienced Airbnb management services that can ensure full compliance with evolving regulations. Scrutiny is expected to intensify, meaning amateur hosts could face serious consequences if they continue to ignore legal requirements.

Should UK Hosts Be Worried?

While the Spanish scenario may feel distant, it’s highly relevant for UK Airbnb hosts. London already enforces a strict 90-day annual limit on short-term lets without specific planning permission. There’s growing momentum across the UK for similar regulatory frameworks to curb housing shortages, especially in tourist-heavy areas such as Bath, Oxford, and Bristol.

If you’re managing an Airbnb property in the UK, now is the time to get ahead. Learn more about local trends in our article on how Airbnb management in London is shaping the future of tourism.

Final Thoughts

The move by the Canary Islands’ government to remove illegal Airbnb listings is emblematic of a larger, global conversation: how can tourism and housing sustainability coexist? As properties shift from homes to holiday lets, the lines blur between economic opportunity and community impact. Whether you’re a host or a traveller, staying informed and adapting to new rules is more crucial than ever.

For hosts looking to weather the regulatory storm and maintain profitability, partnering with trusted professionals can make all the difference. At Moa & Kin, we help hosts navigate legal challenges while maximising their rental potential across major UK cities. Visit our pages on Airbnb management in Bath and Airbnb management in Bristol to see how we can help.