Airbnb welcomes the European Parliament vote on a new EU short-term rental regulation that will make rules more clear, simple and easy to follow, while giving authorities access to the information they need to enforce fair and proportionate rules.
New EU-wide rules are a watershed moment for Airbnb and our industry. For the last two years Airbnb has called for an EU-wide approach to short-term rental rules that will help make regulations more consistent across the bloc. Platforms and authorities will have clear guidance on how to share data and it should become simpler for Hosts to register with their local authority and adhere to proportionate rules. Airbnb’s priority is to expand our work with cities and governments to support the families who host and help tackle local concerns such as housing.
“EU rules mark the beginning of a new chapter for short-term rentals in Europe. For the first time the rules of the road are clear, benefiting Hosts, authorities and Europe’s tourism offer to visitors. We stand ready to work with Member States and their local authorities on the implementation of the rules to ensure they are a success for everyone.”
Georgina Browes, Head of EU Policy at Airbnb
Authorities and platforms will have 24 months to comply with new EU short-term rental rules, once they enter into force. Airbnb is already collaborating with the EU and Member States on the technical tools for new data-sharing frameworks and to ensure these systems are as harmonized and as efficient as possible for all.
Short-term rental hosts – like the ones hosting on Airbnb – provide Europeans with a flexible way to boost their income, and an authentic way to travel with affordable options. They make up nearly one-quarter of all EU tourist accommodation supply1 and the EU is home to more Hosts on Airbnb than anywhere else in the world.2 Last year, these Hosts welcomed more guests from within Europe than any other region. In fact, there were nearly ten times as many guests arriving from within Europe than the next closest region which was North America.3
The vast majority of Hosts share one listing and the typical EU Host earned nearly €4,000 in 2023.4 For many Hosts, the income they earn on Airbnb provides a vital economic lifeline:5
Nearly half of EU Hosts (41%) said they host on Airbnb to make ends meet. Nearly two-thirds (62%) said they plan to use the income from hosting to cover the rising cost of living.
A third of Hosts (33%) said the current economic climate was motivating them to host more.
Whilst more than half of Hosts (54%) said they used the income to finance home improvements.
More than half of Hosts (57%) said they shared their home whilst they were traveling for work or on vacation, whilst around a quarter (24%) sought to make the most of events taking place in their local area.
Nearly a fifth of Hosts (18%) said they work in either health and social care, education or public service and 56% of Hosts said they are women.
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