Spain’s sunny Canary Islands may be paradise for tourists, but recent moves by regional governments could make it significantly less inviting for some Airbnb hosts. Over 5,000 short-term rental listings on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com face imminent removal as part of a sweeping crackdown on illegal holiday accommodation. This comes amid growing concerns over housing affordability, tourism sustainability, and the overwhelming growth of short-term lets in the region.

What’s the Issue with Airbnb in the Canary Islands?

Authorities in the Canary Islands have started to take bold steps against unlicensed holiday rentals. According to Express, the Canary Islands government has collaborated with rental platforms like Airbnb to remove thousands of non-compliant listings. Hosts who cannot provide official registration numbers are being flagged for removal from the platforms, a shift driven by increasing anger from local residents about the scarcity of affordable housing and tourist saturation in residential areas.

Of the 34,000 tourist rental properties identified in the region, more than 5,000 have no legal registration and are at risk of disappearing from the online marketplace. Airbnb, which accounts for roughly 70% of these listings, has expressed intent to cooperate with local authorities while navigating compliance with EU data protection laws.

The Drive Behind Spain’s Crackdown

The recent focus on illegal holiday rentals is part of a broader trend across Spain to regulate its booming short-term rental market. The surge in tourist accommodations has led to increased rents, forcing out long-term residents from key areas like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. In response, the regional Canary Islands government plans new laws to introduce stricter controls over short-term lets, potentially dictating in which zones such properties can legally operate.

The goal, according to Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo, is to sustain tourism while preserving quality of life for locals. “We are not against holidaylets,” Clavijo said, “but we must seek a balanced model.”

Consequences for Property Owners and Hosts

These reforms are likely to cause significant headaches for Airbnb hosts who aren’t compliant with existing regulations. Without a formal property registration, owners could see their properties delisted permanently. This should serve as a wake-up call for any Airbnb host – not only in Spain – to review regulatory compliance and get expert guidance before proceeding further.

If you’re operating a UK-based Airbnb property, especially in major tourist cities like Bath or Oxford, it’s essential to maintain high standards and adhere to local laws. For helpful insights, check out our guide on how to maintain your Airbnb property.

What This Means for Travellers

For travellers heading to sun-soaked islands like Tenerife and Lanzarote, this could mean fewer Airbnb options and potentially higher prices as supply drops. Those looking to stay in a short-term let should ensure the property has a valid license number. Most listings will be updating their descriptions with this required information to comply with the new rules.

The change also comes during a period of heightened scrutiny of how tourism affects local economies. While Airbnb and short-term lets enable access to authentic living spaces, they must now work harder to align with sustainable tourism goals set by local administrations.

Could This Happen in the UK Too?

Spain isn’t alone in looking to regulate short-term rentals. Cities across the UK have begun taking steps to curb excessive Airbnb listings, particularly in high-demand urban centres. For instance, the 90-day Airbnb rule in London limits how many nights homeowners can let their space annually.

These laws serve to protect housing availability for residents and maintain community structures being altered by transient tourism. Hosts in the UK would be wise to take note of what’s happening in Spain as a potential sign of tighter regulation ahead.

What You Can Do if You’re an Airbnb Host

If you currently let or plan to host a property on Airbnb, it’s important to stay informed about changing legislation both at home and abroad. Key steps you can take include:

• Ensure your property is properly licensed and registered in accordance with local tourism authority rules.
• Use a reliable Airbnb management company that understands local compliance laws and can provide expert support.
• Keep abreast of news around property laws and rental legislation to avoid being caught off guard by policy changes.
• Reassess your business strategy to accommodate changes in platform rules and regional restrictions.

For those operating in London or any other city with tourism influxes, check out our blog covering how Airbnb management in London is shaping tourism’s future.

The Future of Short-Term Rentals in Tourist Hotspots

Spain’s firm stance signals a potential shift for the global short-term rental industry. With more governments prioritising housing over tourism profits, regulatory pressure is likely to grow. Airbnb’s role could evolve from being a disruptor to becoming a more formalised player in the regulated accommodation market.

Tourism-dependent regions will need to develop smarter strategies that balance visitor needs with protecting local communities. Businesses and hosts who proactively embrace legal compliance and sustainability are likely to thrive in this new environment.

Whether you’re a host considering international expansion or a traveller booking your next island escape, being aware of location-specific rules is essential for a smooth experience. For further Airbnb hosting insights, explore our tips on how to manage Airbnb properties effectively.