The Issue of Illegal Airbnbs in Brussels: City Government Takes Action

Brussels, the vibrant capital of Europe, attracts thousands of tourists every year. Airbnb has played a major role in expanding the short-term rental market in the city. However, the rapid growth of this rental sector has its downsides. The City of Brussels is now taking steps to address the increasing number of illegal Airbnbs, which are disrupting the local housing market and threatening the balance between residents and tourists.

Illegal Airbnbs Disrupt the Housing Market

According to Mayor Philippe Close and Alderman Ans Persoons, the issue of illegal Airbnbs is becoming more significant. Many properties listed on the platform do not comply with Brussels’ regulations for tourist accommodation. This has led to a shift in available housing, as properties meant for long-term rental are being turned into short-term tourist accommodations. In some neighborhoods, the supply of rental apartments has significantly decreased, increasing pressure on the regular rental market.

Persoons emphasizes that most Airbnbs in Brussels are illegal. “The majority of the properties do not meet Brussels' regulations for tourist accommodation,” says the alderman. This not only creates legal problems but also has a negative impact on the local community. “We don’t want Brussels to follow the example of cities like Paris or Amsterdam, where the uncontrolled growth of illegal rentals has become an even bigger problem,” she adds.

The City of Brussels' Action Plan

To combat this issue, the City of Brussels is working on an action plan aimed at reducing the number of illegal Airbnbs. The goal is to return 1,000 properties to the rental market by the end of this legislative term, ensuring that more homes are available for local residents instead of being used exclusively for tourism.

One of the proposed measures is to impose fines on landlords offering illegal Airbnbs. Through these financial penalties, the city hopes to discourage landlords from renting out properties illegally and encourage them to make their properties available for long-term rental. This would not only stabilize the housing market but also contribute to maintaining the livability and diversity of the city.

The Future of Airbnb in Brussels

The City of Brussels faces an important challenge: finding a balance between the growth of the tourism sector and maintaining a healthy and accessible housing market for its residents. Tackling illegal Airbnb rentals will not be easy, but it is essential to ensure that Brussels remains a city for both tourists and local inhabitants.

With this action plan, the City of Brussels hopes to address the issue of illegal rentals while also making the city more livable for everyone. It is clear that the city government is determined to improve the situation and put a stop to the unchecked growth of illegal Airbnbs.