More than 65, 000 trip listings have been blocked on Airbnb’s site, according to a new order from the Spanish consumer rights government. The government of Spain is enforcing new regulations that specifically target short-term rental businesses. This comes as a housing crisis is raging, and Europeans are protesting the rising rent charges. These rising rental and accommodation costs are typically attributed to the recent boom in tourist locations like Barcelona and Madrid of vacation rentals on platforms like Airbnb. The government reported on Monday that the majority of the 65, 935 entries slated to be blocked on Airbnb were rather ambiguous in terms of ownership and licenses. Enough now, according to consumer minister Pablo Bustinduy, to protect those who exploit the housing market. Airbnb stated through a spokesman that they would appeal the decision, but that they did not believe the government was authorized to make a decision regarding short-term leases. According to Airbnb, they had used an “indiscriminate strategy” that didn’t demand permits to run for rentals. All 10, 000 rentals listed as short-term rent had been closed down by the Spanish government last year. Weeks prior, they had even informed the business about the non-compliance ads. The high court in Madrid has supported the decree, which stipulates that 5800 Airbnb rental entries must be deleted quickly. The Spanish government claims that two additional purchases must be issued before the goal of 66, 000 is reached. As thousands of unemployed people have resorted to sleeping in airports, the growing cover crisis paints a bleak image. According to Eurostat, government did not evacuate airport passengers or offer them any help. Due to a social responsible sport, which has mostly overshadowed the true issue, the situation has gotten worse.
