A large volume of illegal tourist apartment rentals has been detected in Mallorca. According to local authorities, nearly 40% of properties offered on popular online platforms are not officially registered. This means that each month about 8,000 apartments and approximately 42,000 tourist spots operate without oversight and necessary guarantees.
Over the past year, specialists analyzed around 400,000 listings using advanced technologies and artificial intelligence. As a result, about ten million data points were processed, providing an objective picture of the short-term rental market.
Authorities note that four out of ten rented apartments are not included in official registries. This creates unfair conditions for law-abiding owners who comply with all legal requirements. The Mallorca administration plans to continue identifying violators and to intensify efforts against illegal rentals to protect the legitimate tourism sector.
The highest number of illegal tourist apartments was found in Palma, with more than a thousand such properties. Next are the municipalities of Pollença with 756 apartments, Alcúdia with 687, Santa Margalida with 467, Calvià with 413, Capdepera with 388, and Manacor with 374.
The authorities of the Balearic Islands have already taken several measures to curb the uncontrolled growth of holiday rentals. In May last year, the regional parliament passed a law banning the issuance of new licenses for renting out apartments in multi-unit buildings. In addition, fines for illegal activity have been increased — they can now reach up to 500,000 euros.
A special procedure has also been introduced, allowing for the conversion of unused or unprofitable tourist properties into affordable housing. This is intended to help ease pressure on the real estate market and make housing more accessible for local residents.
Authorities emphasize that the fight against illegal rentals will continue, and the new data will serve as a basis for further changes in the regulation of the tourism sector. The main goal is to ensure market transparency, support legal entrepreneurs, and create conditions for sustainable tourism development in Mallorca.
