What Mallorca’s new rules mean for your holiday rental – and how to stay on the safe side. Is Your Airbnb Booking at Risk This Summer?
If you’ve already booked an Airbnb in Palma—or are planning to—this summer, there’s something you should know. Recent changes in enforcement around short-term holiday rentals are starting to shake up the scene, and it’s not just bureaucratic noise.
🛑 Palma’s Crackdown Has Teeth
In a high-profile move, the Palma city council recently fined Airbnb €300,000 for listing properties that don’t have the required rental license. It’s the latest step in a wider campaign to clamp down on illegal holiday lets, particularly in apartment buildings and city zones where such rentals are banned.
This isn’t a new law—but the enforcement is tightening. The Balearic government and local councils are under increasing pressure to address overtourism, housing shortages for residents, and noise complaints from apartment neighbors. That means fewer second chances for hosts—and potentially more headaches for guests.
🔍 So What’s the Issue?
Here’s the short version, are Your Airbnb Booking at Risk This Summer?
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In Palma, short-term holiday rentals in multi-family buildings (i.e., apartments) have been prohibited since 2018 unless the building is officially licensed.
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Many properties on Airbnb and similar platforms still ignore this rule, or don’t display license numbers clearly.
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Now, platforms—and potentially even guests—could feel the impact as enforcement ramps up.
✈️ What Does This Mean for You as a Visitor?
If you’ve booked (or are about to book) an Airbnb, check for this key detail:
➡️ A visible rental license number, usually listed as “ETV” or “TI” followed by digits.
If you don’t see one—or if the host won’t confirm it—it’s worth reconsidering. The last thing you want is a cancelled booking days before arrival, or to discover your accommodation is under investigation.
💡 What You Can Do
1. Check the listing for a license number
If it’s missing or seems vague (“license pending” or “application in process”), be cautious.
2. Prioritise entire homes or villas with legal status
Many legal rentals are found in rural or coastal zones outside the city where regulations are looser—but they’re still required to be licensed.
3. Don’t hesitate to ask the host
A reputable host will be happy to provide their license ID.
4. Consider alternative accommodation
There’s a growing number of boutique hotels, agroturismos, and legal guesthouses offering transparent, high-quality options—with no legal grey zones.
🏘️ Why Is This Happening?
Mallorca is trying to rebalance tourism and local life. With rising housing costs and increased pressure on city infrastructure, illegal short-term rentals have become a flashpoint issue. This isn’t about being anti-tourist—it’s about keeping the system fair for locals and visitors alike.
✅ Bottom Line
Mallorca is still open, welcoming, and full of incredible places to stay. But the days of looking the other way on short-term rentals are ending—especially in Palma’s apartment zones.
If you want peace of mind this summer, book smart:
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Look for licensed rentals
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Don’t be afraid to ask questions
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And if something feels sketchy, trust your gut—and find a legal option instead
It’s not just about following the rules. It’s about making sure your holiday isn’t disrupted by a fine, a cancelled stay, or a legal mess you didn’t see coming.
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Your Airbnb Booking at Risk This Summer, is part of Let´s Talk Mallorca and Palmallorca.com
