Vienna building police strikes back: 110 illegal rentals uncovered!

Vienna building police strikes back: 110 illegal rentals uncovered!

The city of Vienna keeps a close eye on short-term rentals in its districts. Efforts to stop illegal offers are in full swing, particularly on Landstrasse. Last year, over 100 reports of improper use were filed, as reported by the building police (MA 37). What is particularly explosive is that only 51 official applications for approval for short-term rentals have been received, while the number of unreported cases of illegal rentals remains high. “There is something going on,” emphasizes District Councilor Daniel Harrasser (KPÖ/Links), who filed over 400 complaints against illegal rentals in February that go far beyond the country road.

The new building regulations amendment from 2023 has regulated renting in residential zones much more strictly. Since July 1, 2024, a permit is required not only in residential zones, but also outside of these zones, unless the property is rented for fewer than 90 days per year. This regulation is intended to help relieve pressure on the housing market and prevent abuses. Since this regulation came into force in the 3rd district, 110 reports of violations have already been recorded and 55 on-site surveys have been carried out, in which 12 cases of inappropriate use were identified.

Illegal hotel businesses under the microscope

An additional focus is on more conspicuous illegal structures. Like from fm online Reportedly, two illegal hotel businesses were busted that were renting out apartments to tourists without authorization via platforms such as Airbnb. These businesses were discovered near the Wiedner Belt and in a high-rise building in Favoriten. The city of Vienna then initiated an intensive focus action by the building police. This checks advertisements and suspected cases several times a week in order to curb unfair competition in the tourism-related sector.

A total of 887 advertisements have been submitted to the responsible department between July 2024 and the end of March 2025. Penalties were filed in 163 cases, which can cost up to 50,000 euros per apartment. The city has clear goals: vacancies should be mobilized and the original idea of ​​short-term rentals should be preserved. It's about finding a balance between protecting housing and being fair to the regular accommodation industry. City councilor Kathrin Gaal supports the systematic controls to combat shadow commercial operations.

Outlook for cooperation

The developments on Landstrasse are only part of the larger measures taken by the City of Vienna. The MA 37 is constantly in action to monitor the regulations and punish violations. The city makes it clear that the use of living space may not take place without appropriate permits. Legal applications for short-term rentals have increased - with 808 applications since the new regulation - but the focus is clearly on consistently eliminating illegal structures and protecting living space.

In summary, Vienna is taking decisive action against illegal short-term rentals. The combination of strict new regulations and targeted inspections by the building police is the key to meeting the challenge and ensuring a regulated living environment. The city's efforts are a clear call to respect the general conditions for rentals and thus to take into account the fair coexistence of all Viennese.