Just a year ago, the European Commission began addressing this sector with proposals aimed at increasing transparency and information sharing in the short-term rental ecosystem. The goal was to curb fraud and improve tourism management by clarifying duties for platforms like Airbnb and Booking and for the hosts themselves. Within twelve months, the Council and the European Parliament reached a political agreement on a framework that introduces new data transmission obligations and strengthens oversight by public authorities.
Short-term rental of flats, houses, or rooms has grown into a widespread option for travelers, now representing nearly a quarter of all tourist accommodation in the EU. Several member states have implemented registration systems, but these vary in scope, the requirements placed on hosts or platforms, and the level at which governance occurs—national, regional, or local. This patchwork created pressure to harmonize rules and create a more consistent environment across borders.
“With this agreement, everyone gains,” stated Rosana Morillo, speaking on behalf of the current EU presidency and Spain’s foreign minister for tourism. The new rules will introduce a uniform information framework for platforms and streamline registration for hosts. Morillo emphasized that the reforms will facilitate better policy making and help curb illegal activity by bringing data into public oversight. The Dutch lawmaker and negotiator Kim Sparrentak added that platforms have previously held back data, hindering local enforcement. The text now seeks to rectify that and return regulatory control to cities and local authorities.
Nathan Blecharczyk, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Airbnb, acknowledged that these measures mark a turning point for the industry across Europe. In a letter to the Spanish government and other European representatives, he asserted that the regulation could serve as a global model for how short-term rentals should be governed. He also proposed guidance for platforms and authorities on data sharing and the enforcement of local regulations that benefit all parties. Today, about 80 percent of the top 200 tourist destinations for Airbnb guests already have some form of regulation; in the absence of a European-wide reference framework, it has often been unclear how to draft effective local legislation, access and protect data, and ensure compliance with EU rules. Blecharczyk’s comments underscored the impetus for a more cohesive approach that can support both hosts and communities while maintaining consumer protections.
Unique registration number
The new norm, formalized by the Twenty-Seven during a March political agreement, establishes a clear procedure for online registration for short-term rental properties, potentially accompanied by a registration fee. After registering, owners will receive a unique identification number that serves as a verifiable marker for their property and a means for authorities to confirm information. Platforms will be required to ensure that this number can identify the owner and that the data submitted is accurate and complete. They will also be obliged to perform reasonable checks, including random verifications, and authorities may suspend a registration and require the removal of non-compliant hosts from platforms when needed.
The pact introduces a single digital window to receive data on a monthly cadence from platforms, including address, registration number, and property URL, detailing platform activity. Smaller platforms with fewer than 4,250 hosts can opt for a lighter regime that requires quarterly information transfers. The regulation will take effect twenty-four months after formal approval by the Council and Parliament, permitting a transitional period for platforms and local authorities to align with the new system. This structured approach aims to deliver consistent data flows, facilitate enforcement, and enhance public trust in the market while maintaining the vitality of tourism by offering clear, predictable rules for platforms and hosts alike.