Airbnb has taken action to remove thousands of unlicensed listings from its platform in the Canary Islands, in response to a significant regulatory clampdown by Spanish authorities. This move highlights the increasing global scrutiny on short-term rental platforms and their impact on local housing markets and tourism economies. With Spain ramping up efforts to ensure compliance with holiday rental laws, hosts and property managers must adapt quickly or risk removal from major platforms like Airbnb.

Spain has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, drawing millions of visitors every year. In regions like the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands, the surge in short-term rentals has contributed to a housing crunch for locals. Many residents find themselves priced out of the rental market, as traditional housing stock is consumed by more profitable holiday lets.

To combat this issue, local governments have imposed stricter regulations on short-term rentals. These include requirements for tourist licenses, zoning restrictions, and enforcement of the Spanish Tourism Law. Platforms like Airbnb have been pressured to enforce these laws, especially in areas overwhelmed by unregulated tourism.

In a recent announcement, Airbnb confirmed it had removed thousands of illegal listings across the Canary Islands, including Tenerife and Gran Canaria. These listings failed to comply with local tourism regulations, generally due to a lack of proper licensing or zoning violations. The action was taken in collaboration with local authorities to support the development of a more sustainable tourism model.

An Airbnb spokesperson stated: “We work closely with governments across Spain to support everyday families who benefit from hosting, and we want to be good partners to the communities our hosts call home.”

This move aligns with Airbnb’s evolving strategy to legitimize its operations in highly-touristed areas and maintain its platform’s integrity. It’s part of a broader effort to address affordability concerns for residents and reduce over-tourism.

For Airbnb hosts operating in the Canary Islands without the proper licenses, this development is a wake-up call. Compliance is now not just encouraged — it’s mandatory for staying active on the platform. Hosts must ensure their properties meet legal standards such as safety regulations, tourism licenses, and zoning compliance.

Travelers may also notice a reduction in available listings within affected regions. This could lead to higher prices and reduced availability during peak travel season. However, it also means an increase in safety and quality assurance as listings will undergo stricter scrutiny before being published.

The crackdown in Spain is part of a global trend where governments are reevaluating the impact of platforms like Airbnb. In urban centres like London and Oxford, new measures are being proposed or enacted to limit the number of days a property can be rented on short-term platforms due to concerns about housing availability and neighbourhood sustainability.

Portugal recently banned new licenses for short-term rental properties in Lisbon. Amsterdam and Paris have introduced strict caps on the number of nights a listing can be rented annually. These changes highlight the need for Airbnb hosts and property managers to stay informed and agile in adapting their business models.

If you’re a landlord or host in the UK, understanding these international trends is crucial. Our guide on the 90-day Airbnb rule breaks down similar regulations affecting UK cities.

Staying compliant in an evolving regulatory environment can be challenging. Here are a few recommendations for hosts in the UK and abroad:

• Always check whether your city requires a license for short-term rentals.
• Ensure your property meets all health, safety, and fire regulations.
• Utilise local Airbnb management services that are well-versed in the latest compliance laws.
• List your home on platforms that verify compliance or allow manual verification of legal status.

For example, our Airbnb property management service in Bristol ensures that all properties under our care meet local legal standards and are optimised for guest satisfaction and profitability.

As Spanish regions like the Canary Islands and Balearics continue to enforce compliance, we’re likely to see a more balanced short-term rental market. While this may mean fewer listings, it also opens the door for more responsible tourism and offers investors a chance to establish legitimate, sustainable vacation rental businesses.

Airbnb is now working more closely with Spanish municipalities by integrating license verification systems into their listing platforms and supporting modern tax collection tools. These efforts suggest the company is investing in long-term growth, not just scale.

Airbnb’s removal of thousands of illegal listings in the Canary Islands is a clear signal that regulation is shaping the future of short-term rentals. For hosts and property managers, proactive compliance and strategic adaptation are now essential to long-term success.

Whether you’re managing one property or scaling a portfolio, understanding your region’s rules and aligning with professional services can secure your listing’s legality, profitability, and longevity.

Interested in learning how to manage Airbnb properties more efficiently? Check out our practical guide on how to manage Airbnb properties.