
Some 337 reports have been submitted to Vienna’s building police (Baupolizei) following the introduction of stricter regulations for short-term rental properties in July 2024, according to Housing Councillor Kathrin Gaal.
Under the new rules, rentals are banned if the lease exceeds 90 days per year, unless an exception is granted. To obtain such a permit, the consent of other property owners in the building is required. By the end of 2024, 709 applications for permits had been received by the building police, while 337 reports had been registered with the Short-Term Rental Control Department (MA37).
The highest number of reports came from the 2nd district, with 44, followed by 33 reports in the 1st district and 28 in the 3rd district. After receiving reports, the authorities conduct an online search to identify potential listings on popular platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.
In most cases, an on-site inspection is also carried out. “The affected flats are then cross-checked with the listings found online,” said a spokesperson. “Sometimes we find entire buildings being unlawfully rented. From the outside, one wouldn’t suspect it, but inside there are often clear signs, such as a reception area,” explained Günter Nast from the building police.
Councillor Gaal stressed the importance of preserving the original idea of renting out one’s home while away, such as during a long trip. “With the building regulation amendment, we have successfully tackled the international trend of short-term rentals taking away urgently needed housing,” she said. “However, it must not lead to entire neighbourhoods losing housing on a large scale, as we are seeing in other major cities.”