A Spanish court has rejected Airbnb’s appeal, keeping in place the order to block almost 66 000 listings that the Spanish government said violated local rules.
Last month, Spain ordered Airbnb to block nearly 66 000 listings after the Consumer Rights Ministry flagged them for violations. Airbnb had to immediately take down 5 800 of them.
According to Associated Press, Airbnb said the Ministry’s actions went against Spanish regulations that held owners of short-term rentals, not the platform, responsible for the violations.
The ruling by Madrid’s High Court reinforces the government's stance that short-term rentals violate local regulations and contribute to the escalating housing crisis caused by overtourism.