Brussels to Clamp Down on Airbnbs After Legal Win

Photo source: Unsplash.

Brussels authorities are ready to clamp down on short-term rentals and impose fines on property owners or operators violating regulations for Airbnb operations after winning a legal challenge this week.

Authorities in Brussels had previously proposed measures that would allow the city to have say over the number and quality of short-term or tourist rentals. Five Airbnb providers in the city challenged the policy arguing that it was in breach of European directives and internal market rules.

A Court of First Instance in the Belgian capital rejected the challenge, paving the way for Brussels to implement a new plan that aims to regulate tourist accommodation rental activity by cracking down on property owners and operators.

Under Brussels’ new policy, Airbnb rentals must now meet several criteria, including fire safety certificates and urban planning stipulations over building use while operators will need to pass criminal records checks.

In cases of residential buildings, properties cannot be rented out for more than 120 days a year.

Operators and owners who violate the rules will face penalties of up to 10,000 euros.

According to local organization Short Term Rental Belgium, which represents operators, up to 98 percent of Airbnb-style rentals in Brussels may be in violation of the regulations.

Brussels’ move to tighten rules is aimed at preserving the city center. Airbnb, however has described the decision as “complex” and that it places “disproportionate administrative burdens on accommodation providers”.

Anaïs Maes. Photo source: Municipality of Brussels.

“The center of Brussels must not become a sterile environment without housing,” said Anaïs Maes (Vooruit), Brussels councilor for urban planning, referring to the importance of protecting locals’ needs while preserving the residential nature of the city’s neighborhoods.

Maes went on to add that “tourists are welcome but we need to find another solution. I am happy that we can now impose limits before we arrive at a similar situation to that seen in Paris or Amsterdam. Brussels can now enforce its rules”.

In September, Greek authorities said they would be tightening rules and increasing penalties that apply to short-term rental operators as of 2024 in an attempt to tackle tax evasion and lost revenues and to ensure a fair playing field in hospitality.