EpItalia –
The European Parliament has definitively adopted, with 493 votes in favour, 14 against and 33 abstentions, new EU requirements on the methods of collecting and sharing data relating to short-term rental services, already agreed with EU governments.
With the new regulation, it aims to promote a transparent and responsible platform economy, while protecting consumers from fraudulent offers relating to short-term rentals.
Simple registration process.
Online platforms that facilitate short-term rental services for properties that claim to be located in countries where a registration process is already in place (including Italy), will have to comply with the new registration and sharing obligations data. A simple online registration process will allow the relevant authorities to identify the guest and unit and verify the information.
Safer rental services for travellers
Online platforms will need to ensure that the information provided by landlords is reliable and complete, and that the registration number is clearly visible. They will also need to carry out random checks of information. Competent authorities may suspend registration numbers, require platforms to remove illegal listings or impose sanctions on non-compliant platforms or landlords.
Data exchange.
EU Member States will establish a single digital entry point to receive data from the platforms on a monthly basis (e.g. number of nights booked, number of guests, specific address, registration number, URL related to ‘accommodation). Collecting this data will allow authorities to monitor compliance with guest registration processes and will also allow for the implementation of appropriate policies in the short-term accommodation rental sector.
Rapporteur Kim Van Sparrentak (Verts/ALE, NL) said: “Cities are experiencing a spike in illegal short-term holiday rentals. This makes cities across Europe harder to live in and less accessible. This law requires platforms to share their data with local authorities, allowing them to better enforce vacation home regulations so that accommodation remains accessible to residents.”
Next steps
Once the Council adopts the text, it will be published in the Official Journal of the EU and will enter into force after 2 years.
Context
The volume of short-term accommodation rental services has increased significantly with the expansion of online platforms such as Airbnb, Booking, Expedia and TripAdvisor. This type of accommodation comprises around a quarter of all tourist accommodation in the EU. While such rentals create benefits for hosts, tourists and many regions, some researchers argue that the lack of adequate regulations contributes to problems such as rising housing prices, displacement of permanent residents, overtourism and competition unfair.
There are significant differences in registration systems for short-term rentals between EU countries. According to the Commission, in 2022, 23 Member States had some type of procedure at national, regional and/or local level, while others were considering its introduction (see Annex 8 of the impact study).
