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European Commission drafts rules allowing cities to restrict short-term holiday rentals

Deutsche Welle reports that the European Commission proposed new rules to curb short-term rentals in strained housing markets.

The short version

  • The European Commission introduced the Affordable Housing Act to allow local curbs on short-term rentals like Airbnb.[Deutsche Welle]
  • Municipalities must demonstrate negative impacts on local housing affordability or availability over at least three years before applying curbs.[Deutsche Welle]
  • The draft legislation requires approval from EU member states and legislators before taking effect.[Deutsche Welle]
  • Industry lobbying group CCIA Europe criticized the proposal for lacking independent assessment of municipal restrictions.[Deutsche Welle]

Key facts

  • The European Commission unveiled proposed rules to permit tighter restrictions on short-term rental platforms to counter tourist-area housing shortages.[Deutsche Welle]
  • Local authorities must demonstrate that holiday lets have severely harmed housing availability or affordability for at least three years before imposing curbs.[Deutsche Welle]
  • The proposed Affordable Housing Act requires approval from EU member states and legislators before becoming law.[Deutsche Welle]
  • Industry lobby CCIA Europe asserted that the European Commission proposal fails to ensure independent evaluation of local restrictions.[Deutsche Welle]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether EU member states and legislators will adopt the proposal or amend the criteria required for local restrictions.[Deutsche Welle]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.