Debate in Congress: PSOE’s Proposals
The parliamentary commission on housing and urban environment has once again sparked heated discussions over short-term rentals in the Balearic and Canary Islands. The Socialist Party (PSOE) put forward an initiative aimed at tightening the oversight of tourist apartments in areas facing housing shortages. The proposal required regional authorities to take a more active role in curbing the growth of such properties to ensure permanent housing remains accessible for local residents.
However, representatives from the People’s Party (PP) and Vox, who hold a majority in the commission, did not support the initiative. As a result, the proposal was rejected, leaving the regulation issue up to regional governments.
Regional measures and new laws
While no agreement was reached at the national level, authorities in the Canary Islands had already introduced a draft law in April that would give municipalities greater control over the planning and oversight of housing used for tourism. According to the new bill, at least 90% of residential properties must remain for permanent residents, and conditions for tourist accommodation will be strictly regulated. Existing rentals will also have to meet new standards for sustainability, quality, and competitiveness.
On the Balearic Islands, local authorities are also tightening controls. The Mallorca Island Council found that nearly 40% of vacation rental listings on popular platforms are offered without official registration. This means that about 8,000 properties and over 42,000 tourist beds are operating outside the legal framework, creating unfair competition for legitimate market participants.
The role of online platforms and shifting statistics
Major rental services such as Airbnb have already started removing short-term rental listings in the Canary Islands if the properties have not completed mandatory registration. At the same time, the number of registered listings on the islands rose by more than 45% in the first eight months of the year. This indicates that some property owners prefer to legalize their business to avoid penalties and remain active on the market.
Overall, the situation with vacation rentals in the Balearic and Canary Islands remains the subject of heated debate. Authorities are searching for a balance between the interests of locals who need affordable housing and the economic benefits of tourism. In the coming months, regional parliaments are expected to continue working on new regulations aimed at providing more effective market oversight and greater transparency for all participants.
