Flanders tightens rules for Airbnb rentals

The Flemish government has decided to introduce stricter rules for Airbnb-style holiday rentals, Tourism minister Hans Bonte announced on Friday.

Soon, only properties with an official registration number from Tourism Flanders will be allowed to advertise on online platforms. Local councils will also receive stronger powers to deal with nuisance and illegal rentals.

Annual checks by Tourism Flanders found that only six out of ten inspected properties followed the region’s accommodation rules. Owners must register their property and meet standards on fire safety, insurance and hygiene.

Nine in 10 Airbnb homes in Brussels rented out illegally

More than 90 per cent of homes offered on Airbnb in Brussels are being rented out illegally, according to research published by Bruzz on Wednesday.

belganewsagency.eu

Under the new measures, properties without a registration number will no longer be allowed on booking websites. Online platforms will also have to share information about listings and activities with Tourism Flanders.

If a property breaks local planning rules, a report from the local council will now be enough for Tourism Flanders to close it down. At present, authorities must go through a legal enforcement process that can sometimes take years.

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