On Tuesday 19 September, the members of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (‘IMCO’) adopted their position for the forthcoming inter-institutional negotiations on the collection and sharing of data relating to short-term accommodation lets (31 votes in favour, none against, one abstention).
“The ever-accelerating growth in short-term rented accommodation has led to a reduction in the number of homes available on the market for residents, pushed up rents and house prices, and is also having an impact on quality of life locally. The rules we have adopted today ensure that cities have access to the data they need to apply local rules”, commented Kim Van Sparrentak (Greens/EFA, Dutch), rapporteur on the dossier.
MEPs have broadly followed the approach of the Council of the EU (see EUROPE 13133/3) and also want to put in place a single digital entry point for data from platforms such as Booking or Airbnb on the activity of accommodation providers - such as their address or registration number - to be transmitted to Member States on a monthly basis.
According to the report adopted by the parliamentary committee, the Commission’s task would be to simplify the procedures enabling online platforms to share data and to ensure the interoperability of IT systems.
The data collected would be aggregated, compiled in statistical form and shared with Member States so that they can develop and implement “proportionate policy measures”.
A number of amendments were passed by MEPs, notably concerning the adaptation of registration systems and the creation of a digital infrastructure, for which Member States would have 18 months.
Provisions have also been included to define the procedures for online registration of short-term let properties in those Member States that require it. The authorities should be able to check that the information is accurate.
Platforms, for their part, would be obliged to guarantee that the information provided by hosts is reliable and complete, and that their registration numbers are “clearly visible”.
“Platforms are being given more responsibility for removing illegal adverts, in line with the Digital Services Act (DSA). I am convinced that we will be able to conclude negotiations with the Council again this year”, added Ms Van Sparrentak.
The rules on monitoring the content hosted on their platforms and removing problematic content have been tightened since 25 August, when the DSA came into force (see EUROPE 13244/4). If they fail to meet their obligations, companies could face fines of up to 6% of their annual worldwide turnover, or even a ban on operating within the EU single market in the event of serious and repeated breaches (see EUROPE 12938/6).
Short-term rentals, booked via platforms such as Airbnb and Booking, account for around 25% of tourist accommodation in the EU, and their numbers are increasing. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)