The illegal rental market remains one of the main issues affecting the tourism sector in the city of Barcelona. While many property owners comply with current regulations and manage their licensed apartments properly, there are still some accommodations operating outside the law.
This unfair practice not only harms those who follow the rules but also negatively impacts the quality of tourism and coexistence within local communities. Furthermore, illegal rentals put tourists’ safety at risk as they do not meet the required safety and quality standards set by law.
In light of this issue, it is essential to raise awareness about the importance of regularising the sector and to encourage a more transparent and sustainable market.
Article Contents
- The importance of regularising the tourism sector
- Apartur’s initiative: platform to report illegal flats
- How to access the platform
- Positive impact on the city and community life
- A shared commitment: securing the future of the sector
The importance of regularising the tourism sector
The regularisation of the tourist apartment sector in Barcelona is essential to ensure a fair and balanced market. The legalisation of tourist accommodation helps to:
- Protect the investment of licensed owners: Licensed owners have made a significant investment to comply with regulations. Reporting those who fail to comply helps protect that effort and promotes fair competition.
- Ensure fair competition: Eliminating illegal listings makes the market more transparent and equitable.
- Improved neighbourhood coexistence: Illegal flats often cause nuisance to neighbours due to a lack of control and regulation. Reducing illegal activity promotes a better relationship with communities and residents.
- Ensure quality within the sector: Legal tourist rentals ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for visitors, while also enhancing Barcelona’s reputation as a quality tourist destination.
- Strengthen the local economy: Legal accommodations contribute to the city’s tax system, allowing for reinvestment in public services, cleaning and security.
Apartur’s initiative: platform to report illegal flats
Being aware of this situation, Apartur (Barcelona Tourist Apartments Association) has launched a key initiative to combat the problem of illegal rentals: a platform to report unlicensed accommodation.
The process is simple, fast and completely confidential, allowing any owner or citizen to take action against those who do not comply with the regulations.
This tool ensures that the data collected is available to the relevant authorities, which strengthens cooperation between the sector and the administration in the fight against fraud.
How to access the platform
The platform is available through the Apartur website and is very easy to use:
- Access the online form.
- Enter the basic details of the accommodation you wish to report.
- Submit the information, which will be handled confidentially.
- The system protects the reporter’s identity and guarantees the privacy of the data provided.
Positive impact on the city and community life
Eliminating illegal accommodation not only protects the interests of legal owners but also has a positive impact on coexistence in local communities. Reducing disturbances and conflicts within neighbourhoods improves residents’ quality of life and enhances the experience of visitors.
Additionally, at a city level, it also means increased tax and tourism fee revenue, which is reinvested in public services, cleaning and security.
Ultimately, this represents a collective improvement that benefits both residents and visitors.
A shared commitment: securing the future of the sector
The only way to succeed in the fight against illegal rentals is for all licensed owners to collaborate actively. Each report helps protect properties, strengthen our sector and ensure the provision of quality tourism in Barcelona. Apartur invites all owners and stakeholders to use this tool and join the effort to defend a fairer, more transparent and sustainable tourism market.
Every action counts, and with everyone’s cooperation, we can continue developing a responsible future that contributes to the well-being of all.
The power of change lies in collaboration! If you want more control and peace of mind when managing your property, delegating management to AB Apartment Barcelona could be the best option for you. Contact us here!
