Malaga Bans New Short-Term Rentals

The Spanish city of Malaga has enacted a ban on new short-term rentals in 43 districts where over 8% of housing is currently dedicated to such accommodations, aiming to alleviate the rental crisis affecting locals. This decision follows similar measures taken by other cities in Spain, including Barcelona, which plans to eliminate all short-term rentals by 2028. The European Holiday Home Association has lodged a complaint with the European Commission against Catalonia's regulations allowing city bans, arguing that the measures are unjustified and violate EU law. In Madrid, a new plan has been introduced to restrict short-term rentals in the historic center, allowing them only in entire buildings dedicated solely to tourism or existing licensed rentals. Critics of these regulations claim they could harm the tourism sector without addressing the underlying housing issues. Overall, these developments reflect a growing trend across Europe to balance tourism and local housing needs.