Watch: ‘We Have The Data And We Will Find You’ – Ian Borg Warns Of €23,000 Fine For Malta’s Unregistered AirBnbs
Landlords operating unlicensed Airbnb rentals in Malta are under increased scrutiny.
During Il-Każin, a discussion programme hosted by Jon Mallia, Tourism Minister Ian Borg said there had been a significant increase in landlords registering their properties, noting that there had been a 74% uptick in registrations between January and March this year.
Despite the increase, he said some were still refusing to comply, with the minister issuing a stern warning.
“Today we have the data from the platforms,” Borg said. “Whatever data we don’t have, we will get. And those who are renting their property without being registered… they will face fines of up to €23,000.”
Borg’s remarks come amid growing concerns about the proliferation of unlicensed short-term rentals. A study commissioned by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) revealed that nearly half of Malta’s private holiday rentals operate without a licence.
Specifically, while the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has issued 5,771 permits for holiday-furnished premises, platforms like Airbnb and VRBO list approximately 10,043 such properties in Malta.
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To legally rent out properties on a short-term basis, landlords must obtain a licence from the MTA. The application process requires submitting various documents, including proof of ownership and compliance with safety regulations.
The government is collaborating with platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com to identify and penalize unlicensed operators. This initiative aims to level the playing field for compliant landlords and ensure that all short-term rentals adhere to national standards.
With short-term rentals accounting for a significant portion of tourist accommodations, the government’s enforcement efforts seek to address issues related to housing availability and fair competition within the tourism sector.
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