Spanish authorities are moving to remove or block 8,318 property listings advertised as seasonal rentals despite allowing bookings of fewer than 31 days, opening a new front in the regulation of rentals offered through online platforms.
According to Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030, the listings were identified during an investigation by the Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs, amid indications that they may violate the new rules on seasonal rentals. The ministry has already formally notified two online accommodation platforms, requesting that they take the necessary measures.
The development is linked to the reform of residential rental legislation, which introduces stricter requirements for classifying a rental as seasonal. At the centre of the issue is the distinction between seasonal rentals, standard residential tenancies and tourist accommodation.
Madrid accounts for the largest number of listings
Of the 8,318 listings identified by Spanish authorities, 6,772 are located in the Community of Madrid, while 6,523 are in the city of Madrid itself. The remaining 1,546 are located in other parts of Spain.
The figures highlight the significant concentration of these cases in the Spanish capital. However, the authorities have not published a detailed geographical breakdown for the other regions, nor have they named the two platforms to which the request was addressed.
The relevant notifications were issued through the procedures established under the European Digital Services Act (DSA). The European framework sets out obligations for platforms when they are notified of content that may be illegal.
However, this does not mean that the two platforms have already been fined or that all the listings in question have been permanently removed.
What the new rules say about the 31-day threshold
The main change concerns how seasonal rentals are classified and advertised. According to the Spanish authorities’ description of the new regulations, these rentals must be linked to a genuine, temporary housing need that can be documented.
Such cases may include, for example, workers temporarily relocating to another city, students or people requiring temporary accommodation for medical treatment or recovery.
The issue arises when a property is advertised as a seasonal rental but is offered for stays of fewer than 31 days without meeting the requirements of that category. The authorities consider that such a practice may constitute a misleading commercial practice.
Correct classification is important, as different rules and obligations apply to standard residential tenancies, seasonal rentals and tourist accommodation.
The 31-day requirement does not amount to a ban on short holidays. Travellers can still legally rent tourist accommodation for a weekend or a few days, provided that the applicable rules governing tourist stays are followed, including regional and local requirements.
Therefore, the issue is not simply the length of the booking, but also the legal category under which the property falls and the terms on which it is offered on the market.
Fines and previous interventions
The latest case forms part of a broader effort by Spanish authorities to tackle illegal or misleading listings in the accommodation market.
In a previous case, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs imposed a €64 million fine on Airbnb over accommodation listings that, according to the authorities, did not meet the required conditions. That case also involved the reported removal of more than 65,000 listings.
Meanwhile, according to the ministry, Booking.com had removed more than 4,000 listings following a request from the authorities.
These previous cases are separate from the new investigation into the 8,318 listings and should not be confused with it.
What it means for property owners and travellers
For property owners, the case highlights the importance of accurately describing their accommodation on online platforms. Those offering properties for seasonal rental should ensure that the duration and purpose of the stay, as well as the terms of the agreement, comply with the applicable regulations.
Similarly, those offering tourist accommodation must comply with the regulatory framework governing this activity, including registration or licensing requirements where applicable. Simply using the term “seasonal rental” in a listing is not, in itself, enough to make the activity legal.
For travellers, the announcement does not automatically mean that existing bookings will be cancelled. However, they are advised to check the property description and booking conditions carefully. If they are notified of a cancellation or change, it is preferable to contact the platform or accommodation provider directly, using official communication channels.
For now, Spanish authorities have identified thousands of listings they consider potentially misleading and have requested action from the relevant platforms. The extent of compliance, the final status of the listings and the possibility of further penalties will depend on the companies’ responses and subsequent decisions by the competent authorities.
