The framework for short-term tourist rentals in Cyprus is becoming stricter, as authorities are promoting significant changes to the operation of the market following the tragedy in Limassol, where human lives were lost due to the collapse of a building.
The case highlighted serious weaknesses in the inspection and supervision system. According to the findings of the investigation, several apartments in the building, which had been declared unsuitable, were officially registered as tourist accommodation units.
The inspections also revealed significant gaps in the short-term rental market. Thousands of properties are reportedly operating without a registration number, while authorities identified properties that were not included in the official database, as well as cases involving the use of invalid or even stolen licenses.
By the end of June 2026, 8,478 properties were registered in the Ministry of Tourism’s official registry. However, the inspection showed that a significant part of the market continues to operate outside the official supervision system.
Stricter licensing process
The Ministry of Tourism is preparing legislative regulations that will tighten the requirements for property registration. Owners will be required to confirm that their properties meet all the required standards, while the licensing process is expected to become significantly stricter.
At the same time, the competent authorities are planning to strengthen property inspections before registration in the official registry, ensuring that properties meet safety and legality requirements.
Changes also affect Airbnb and Booking.com platforms
The changes will also affect major short-term rental platforms, such as Airbnb and Booking.com. Under the new European rules, every property offered for short-term rental will have to obtain a unique registration number. Without a valid registration number, the listing of the property on online platforms will not be possible.
Platforms will be required to verify the validity of registration numbers, remove listings with invalid information and provide authorities with the data required under European legislation.
Cypriot authorities estimate that the new measures will contribute both to reducing the illegal short-term rental market and protecting visitors, preventing situations where tourists end up staying in buildings that do not meet the necessary safety standards.
