Where Airbnb is Banned Around the World

The short-term rental boom driven by platforms like Airbnb has transformed travel — but it’s also sparked backlash from cities and countries grappling with housing shortages, rising rent, community disruption and over tourism.

In this blog we’ll explore where Airbnb is banned (or heavily restricted), break down the kinds of restrictions in place.

Locations where Airbnb is banned or effectively banned

Here are some of the standout jurisdictions where Airbnb-style short-term lets face bans or near-complete prohibition:

Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Islands) - Spain

The regional government introduced a near-ban on Airbnb listings in apartment buildings — detached homes only, with strict registration.

Barcelona - Spain

In June 2024 Barcelona announced plans to ban all new short-term tourist flats by November 2028 in order to return thousands of apartments to the long-term rental market.

Penang - Malaysia

In May 2023 the island introduced a ban on “Airbnb-style accommodation” to curb antisocial tourist behaviour and impacts on local housing.

New York City - USA

Under Local Law 18 (Sept 2023) hosts must live on-site, cannot rent entire units for less than 30 days if they aren’t present, and can only host two guests. Airbnb itself described it as a “de facto ban”.

Bottom line: In these places you’ll find situations where Airbnb is either outright banned or practically unviable for many hosts.

Estimate your Airbnb income

Locations with significant Airbnb / short-term rental restrictions

Beyond full bans, many cities impose heavy restrictions on short-term lets to protect housing supply, preserve neighbourhood character or curb over tourism. Here are key examples:

Europe

• Paris, France: Primary residences rented short-term are capped at ~120 days/year and must be registered with the local town hall.

• Berlin, Germany: Strict rules require a permit for renting out entire apartments short-term; heavy fines for unauthorised listings.

• Amsterdam & London: Hosts are limited to a specific number of nights per year (30 nights in Amsterdam; 90 nights in London) unless they obtain extra permits.

• Vienna, Austria: From mid-2024 apartments will be limited to 90 nights/year for short-term stays city-wide (expanding on earlier rules).

• Florence, Italy: Historic centre has banned new short-term rental licences to preserve housing for locals.

United States & Canada

Many U.S. cities like:

• Los Angeles.

• Miami.

• Chicago.

• impose annual caps, require registration, and restrict un hosted stays.

  In Canada: Montreal and some boroughs in Quebec require permits, with bans on new short-term rentals in some areas.

Why is Airbnb banned ?

• Airbnb effecting Housing affordability: Short-term rentals can reduce long-term housing stock and push up rents.

• Community impact: Frequent guest turnover can strain parking, increase noise and degrade neighbourhood character.

• Airbnb Tax & regulatory fairness: Traditional hotels face many rules; many short-term rentals did not, so cities act to level the playing field.

What types of Airbnb restrictions exist

Here’s a breakdown of typical regulatory tools:

Airbnb Registration/licensing requirement

Many places require hosts to register or obtain a licence number before listing.

Cap on number of nights/year

E.g., 30 nights in Amsterdam, 90 in London, 120 in Paris for primary residences.

Airbnb Host-occupancy rule

The host must live on the property while guests stay (common in New York, Santa Monica).

Airbnb Zoning / location bans

Some neighbourhoods forbid STRs altogether (like some residential zones in Berlin or Palma de Mallorca).

Permit freeze or new listing moratorium

Some cities stop issuing new permits (Florence, Barcelona).

Strong enforcement & fines

Hefty penalties for unlicensed listings (e.g., Berlin, Barcelona).

Data-sharing & platform obligations

Rental platforms may be required to share listing/host data with municipal authorities.

For hosts or those considering listings, this means you must check local regulations ahead of time — regulatory landscapes evolve quickly. For travellers, stay aware that listings may be removed/invalid if they don’t comply.

Implications for property owners & guests

For Airbnb property owners / hosts

• You may lose income if regulations prohibit or severely restrict short-term rental use.

• Licencing, registration and compliance add costs and complexity.

• Consider pivoting: rent long-term, move to permitted areas, or focus on host-occupied stays (when allowed).

• Build in safety nets: legal changes may arise quickly.

For travellers

• Some areas may have fewer listings, or only listings that meet strict legal compliance.

• Always check a listing for its registration or licence number where required.

• Ensure you’re staying at a legal listing — otherwise you risk cancellation or other issues.

FAQ

• Where is Airbnb banned ?

  While a full ban is rare, some places either ban short-term rentals outright (or effectively) or heavily restrict them — for example Palma de Mallorca, Penang and New York City.

• Does “banned” mean you can’t stay via Airbnb ?

  Not always. In many places the ban applies to listing properties, and host-occupied stays or rooms may still be allowed under restrictions. Also enforcement varies.

• If I’m a host, how do I check whether my city has restrictions ?

  Check the city or municipal website for “short-term rental licence”, “vacation rental regulation”, or “Airbnb rules”. Also check listings: legally required registration numbers may appear in listing descriptions.

• What about Airbnb in the UK – are there bans here ?

  The UK does not currently have a nationwide full ban on short-term rentals via Airbnb, but individual cities and boroughs may have planning or licensing conditions.

  For tailored property-management guidance in the UK.

• Why do cities target Airbnb and similar platforms ?

  Key reasons include: housing affordability and availability pressure, disturbance of residential neighbourhoods by tourist turnover, and ensuring fair taxation and safety regulation of accommodation services.

• If a listing is illegal under local rules, what happens ?

  The host and platform may face fines, the listing may be removed, and reservation may be cancelled.

  As a guest you may lose your booking or support may be limited.

Final thoughts

The era when anyone could list a home on Airbnb without much oversight is fading. Cities around the world are saying enough, and implementing bans or major restrictions in order to protect housing stock, resident welfare and local communities.

If you’re a host, you must stay on top of your local regulations — non-compliance can lead to revenue loss or fines. If you’re a traveller, check that the listing is legal/registered in its jurisdiction.

For UK property owners or hosts seeking assistance with compliant short-term rentals, property management or advice on navigating these shifting rules, head to Stayful UK for tailored guidance.