Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry has hit Airbnb with a hefty €64 million (approximately $75 million) fine for advertising unlicensed short-term tourist rentals. The penalty targets listings that failed to display required license numbers, used invalid ones, or provided incorrect host information—violations of regional regulations in many parts of the country.
This action escalates the Spanish government's ongoing battle against platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, which officials blame for exacerbating the nation's housing affordability crisis by reducing long-term rental stock in popular tourist areas. Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy emphasized the issue, stating there are "thousands of families living on the edge because of housing, while a few get rich from business models that drive people from their homes." The fine reportedly equals six times Airbnb's profits from the illegal listings.
Earlier in 2025, the ministry ordered the removal of around 65,000 non-compliant Airbnb listings, part of broader efforts including Barcelona's plan to phase out all short-term rentals by 2028.
Airbnb plans to challenge the fine in court, noting its cooperation with a new national registration system introduced in July and claiming over 70,000 listings have since added valid registration numbers.