The focus on Vienna housing market: strict controls against illegal Airbnb use

The focus on Vienna housing market: strict controls against illegal Airbnb use

The city of Vienna attracts the reins when it comes to renting holiday apartments. From mid -2024, strict new rules apply: apartments may be rented to tourists for a maximum of 90 days a year. Anyone who violates this regulation must expect sensitive punishments of up to 50,000 euros per apartment, such as Express stock exchange reported. A special construction police control group will now target the online platforms and monitor advertisements.

These measures come as part of an ambitious housing construction program that Vienna has been pursuing for many years. With over 22,200 subsidized apartments for more than 45,000 people, the city focuses on sustainability, green architecture and social infrastructure. 60 percent of Viennese already live in subsidized or municipal housing, which helps keep rents moderate.

Illegal rentals on the test bench

Against this background, the city of Vienna has also uncovered numerous illegal sub -rental companies on platforms such as Airbnb. Hundreds of cases of illegal rental in community apartments have become known. Affected tenants have to expect dismissals and receive a lifelong lock for access to community apartments, such as My district reported. Around 250 cases have been identified in recent years, with around 100 of them concerned regular and profitable rentals.

The strict regulations have been in force since summer 2022. Vice Mayor Kathrin Gaál emphasizes that protecting living space is of the utmost importance. The ban on subletting municipal housing, which was confirmed by the Supreme Court in 2022, is particularly strict. Violations not only threaten the termination of the rental agreement, but also the recovery of illegal profits.

Controls and tracking of the income

Wiener Wohnen has introduced extensive information and control measures in response to illegal rentals. By the end of March 2025, 887 advertisements in connection with short -term rentals were registered and 163 criminal applications were submitted. This shows that despite the challenges, the city is in an ongoing fight against the illegal rental of living space. Two illegal hotels on the Wiedner belt were also discovered during extensive controls that take place several times a week.

In addition, the new building police department responsible for monitoring the regulations has taken strict measures. After the regulation came into force, 808 applications for short-term rentals were already examined. Despite these intensive controls, there is still a critical voice: The opposition party The Greens is calling for further measures against the “theft of living space”, while the ÖVP is calling for the controls to be intensified.

With its dual strategy of strict controls and innovative housing construction, Vienna wants to continue to actively address the challenges on the housing market. The city's model is also seen as exemplary internationally; competitors such as Barcelona, ​​Amsterdam and Paris have introduced similar regulations.

If everything goes according to plan, Vienna will not only enforce the strict regulations, but will also continue to be a role model in housing construction and housing security.