What you need to know about the new rules – and what it means for your holiday plans
There’s been a lot of discussion recently about short-term rentals on Airbnb and other platforms in Mallorca — and it’s not just rumors.
The Palma city council has fined Airbnb €300,000 for advertising unlicensed holiday properties. This is part of a broader crackdown on illegal tourist lets, especially in urban areas where short-term rentals without a valid license have been under increasing scrutiny.
Read the full article in the Mallorca Daily Bulletin
Why this matters if you’ve booked a summer stay
If you’ve booked an Airbnb for this summer — especially in Palma or nearby — there is a real risk that the property could be unlicensed. In some cases, owners are choosing to cancel bookings at the last minute to avoid hefty fines.
That means:
- You could arrive in Mallorca and find your accommodation is no longer available.
- You may not be able to check in if authorities have flagged the property.
- Some owners may even ask you to avoid mentioning you’re a tourist — a clear red flag.
How to protect yourself
To avoid complications, here’s what we recommend:
- Ask for the ETV license number and verify it if possible
- Look for signs of risk in reviews (mentions of secrecy, noise warnings, etc.)
- Book through verified agencies or licensed providers if you’re unsure
- Have a Plan B in case your original booking is cancelled
Share your experience in the comments
Have you already booked an Airbnb or similar rental in Mallorca? Are you concerned about its legality or have you had issues before?
Let’s talk. This blog series is about keeping our community informed — not judging — so feel free to ask questions or share your story in the comments below.
