In a decisive move against unregulated tourism accommodations, Spanish authorities have levied a substantial €64 million ($75 million) fine against vacation rental giant Airbnb. The penalty was announced on Monday by Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry following an extensive investigation into the platform’s advertising of unlicensed tourist rental properties.
The enforcement action represents the second-largest consumer rights penalty in the ministry’s history, amounting to six times the profits Airbnb generated from the non-compliant listings. This development occurs amidst Spain’s broader crackdown on digital rental platforms, which many officials and citizens blame for exacerbating housing shortages and driving up living costs in popular tourist destinations.
Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy emphasized the connection between unregulated rentals and Spain’s housing crisis, stating: ‘Thousands of families live on the edge because of housing, while a few profit from business models that displace residents from their communities.’
The sanction follows Airbnb’s removal of approximately 65,000 non-compliant listings in July 2025 after regulatory scrutiny. While the company has not issued an immediate response to the penalty, it retains the right to appeal the decision through Spain’s judicial system.
This enforcement action mirrors previous regulatory measures against travel industry operators. In 2024, budget carrier Ryanair faced a €108 million penalty for imposing additional fees on cabin baggage, though the European Commission later questioned the compliance of such fines with EU regulations.
The Spanish government, alongside regional and municipal authorities, continues to implement stricter controls on vacation rental platforms including Airbnb and Booking.com, aiming to balance tourism economics with residential housing needs.