The Barcelona Tourist Apartment Association (Apartur) has launched legal proceedings against the city council over a controversial plan by the mayor’s office aimed at banning short-term rentals in residential buildings. Business representatives argue that the municipality is overstepping its authority and undermining legal certainty, putting legitimate economic activity at risk.
In its lawsuit, Apartur challenges an agreement adopted by the Barcelona Government Commission on May 8, 2025. This document, signed with the Housing and Rehabilitation Institute, the College of Property Administrators, and the Urban Property Chamber, has come under close scrutiny. The association is demanding that both the commission’s decision and the contract based on it be declared null and void.
Rental industry representatives stress that the authorities’ actions violate the principle of legal certainty. They affect a lawful activity that has been strictly regulated in Barcelona since 2012. The city has around 10,000 official tourist apartment licenses, representing just 1% of the total housing stock. This market has remained stable for more than a decade.
It turned out that the initial public information about the agreement was phrased rather vaguely. It only mentioned ‘informing and orienting homeowners’ associations’ on the rules of cohabitation. However, after gaining access to the documents on November 7, 2025, Apartur discovered the true objective: ‘guidance and support for associations to include a prohibition on economic activities, including tourism, in their bylaws.’ This substitution of concepts became one of the main arguments in the lawsuit.
The financial aspect of the initiative caused particular outrage among businesses. The agreement provides for up to 100,000 euros in subsidies for homeowners’ associations and specialists who will amend building bylaws. Support is only granted if the amendments are of a restrictive nature. In other words, the city council is directly paying lawyers and administrators to persuade residents to ban tourist rentals, which Apartur considers a form of undue pressure.
Barcelona city hall responded to the accusations. Deputy Mayor for Housing, Jordi Valls, expressed regret over Apartur’s position. In his view, the association constantly talks about illegality but ignores the root of the problem—the conflicts that sometimes arise between tourists and permanent residents. Valls emphasized that the municipality is simply trying to strengthen democratic mechanisms, allowing residents to decide for themselves whether they want tourist activity in their building. He urged the association to stop its endless legal battles and take a more constructive approach.
For reference, Apartur, or the Barcelona Tourist Apartments Association, is a key representative of the short-term rental industry in the city. It brings together both private owners and management companies. The organization’s main mission is to protect the economic interests of its members. They also work to create a positive image for the sector. The association actively engages in dialogue with the authorities, advocating for a sustainable tourism model in the Catalan capital.
