In Vienna, short-term rentals are now tightly regulated. However, recent focus inspections by the building police have uncovered two illegal hotels. Moreover, stricter measures are being enforced against tenants of public housing who unlawfully offer their apartments on platforms like Airbnb.

Since July 1, 2024, new rules have applied to tourist short-term rentals in Vienna. Renting is prohibited if the total rental period exceeds 90 days per year, unless an exception permit is obtained. The regulations are monitored by a newly established office within the building police (MA 37).

Regular Inspections

According to the office of the responsible councilor, Kathrin Gaal (SPÖ), inspections take place multiple times a week, focusing on complaints and suspicious cases. Recently, special operations have targeted certain neighborhoods, based on online research of relevant platforms. Two illegal hotels were found along the Wiedner Gürtel, and several inappropriate uses of property were discovered in a high-rise building in Favoriten.

By the end of March 2025, the department had received a total of 887 reports. 163 penalty applications have already been issued. In cases of severe violations or repeated offenses, fines can reach up to 50,000 euros per apartment. However, some landlords have followed the legal process: 808 short-term rental applications have been filed with the building police since the new regulations came into effect.

Regulated Short-Term Rentals Benefit Housing Availability

Gaal expressed satisfaction with the results: “With the restrictive new short-term rental regulations in Vienna, we have successfully mobilized vacant properties. At the same time, we have preserved the original concept of short-term rentals—private individuals offering their apartments while they are away—through the 90-day rule. The outcomes of the inspections and the political feedback show that we have found a very good approach.”

Illegal Subletting in Public Housing Investigated

No such time limits exist for public housing. The subletting or further renting of public apartments has always been strictly prohibited. The city has particularly focused on Airbnb listings of these properties. In 2020, Wiener Wohnen sued the platform, and after several legal proceedings, won the case in 2022. Since then, Airbnb has been prohibited from listing public housing, and the company must ensure that no public housing rental ads are listed on the platform.

The court ruling also required Airbnb to disclose the revenues and profits earned from these rentals. Following this, landlords have been investigated, with even detectives being involved, according to the city council. From 2012 to 2022, 250 individuals illegally sublet their public housing, with around 100 cases exceeding the minor threshold of a few nights.

Consequences for Offenders

As a result, the affected individuals faced consequences: termination of their rental contracts and a permanent ban from public housing. 70 people have already given up their public apartments. Additionally, Wiener Wohnen intends to reclaim the profits generated by these illegal rentals. Those who rented their apartments for only a day or a few days have been given warnings.

Opposition Calls for Further Measures

The Green Party believes the city’s actions are insufficient. They criticized the city for downplaying the problem of housing being converted into tourist apartments through platforms like Airbnb. “We have been raising awareness for years about the increasing number of apartments being permanently transformed into tourist accommodations,” stated party leader Judith Pühringer. The Greens are calling for further expansion of residential zones where commercial short-term rentals should be prohibited.

The ÖVP has urged for more intensive inspections. “Instead of praising supposed successes during election times, the responsible councilor should finally focus on ensuring truly effective controls related to illegal subletting in public housing,” said Peter Sittler, the housing spokesperson. He argued that 100 cases identified in a pool of 220,000 public apartments is unrealistic, and the actual number should be higher, given numerous reports and suspicions.