Viennese construction police strike back: 110 illegal rentals revealed!

Viennese construction police strike back: 110 illegal rentals revealed!

Landstraße, Wien, Österreich - The city of Vienna has a watchful eye on the short -term rentals in its districts. Especially in the country road, the efforts to stop illegal offers are in full swing. Last year over 100 advertisements have already been submitted for purposeful use, as reported by the construction police (MA 37). It is particularly explosive that only 51 official applications for approval for short -term rentals have been received, while the number of unreported cases remains high in illegal rentals. "There is something," emphasizes District Councilor Daniel Harrasser (KPÖ/left), who already brought over 400 advertisements against illegal rentals in February that go far beyond the country road.

The new amendment to building regulations from 2023 has regulated rental in residential areas much stricter. Since July 1, 2024, approval has not only been necessary in residential areas, but also outside of these zones, unless less than 90 days a year is rented. This regulation is intended to help relieve the housing market and prevent abuse. Since this regulation came into force in the 3rd district, 110 advertisements have already been recorded for violations, and 55 on-site surveys have been carried out in which 12 cases of purpose use were identified.

Illegal hotel companies under the magnifying glass

An additional attention is on more striking illegal structures. As reported by fm-online , two illegal hotel companies were blown up, which rented apartments via platforms such as Airbnb to tourists without permission. These companies were discovered near the Wiedner belt and in a high -rise building in favorites. The city of Vienna then initiated an intensive focus campaign by the construction police. This checks ads and suspected cases several times a week to contain unfair competition in the area close to tourism.

A total of 887 advertisements have been submitted to the responsible presentation since July 2024 to the end of March 2025. In 163 cases, criminal applications were made that can cost up to 50,000 euros per apartment. The city has clear goals: vacancies are to mobilize and the original idea of short -term rental should remain preserved. It is about finding a balance between the protection of the living space and fairness towards the regular accommodation industry. City councilor Kathrin Gaal supports the systematic controls to combat commercial shadow companies.

outlook on the collaboration

Developments in the country road are only part of the larger measures of the city of Vienna. MA 37 is continuously in use to monitor the regulations and punish violations. The city emphasizes that the use of living space must not be used without appropriate permits. The rightful requests for short -term rentals have increased - with 808 applications since the new regulation - but the focus is on consistently eliminating illegal structures and protecting the living space.