Paris Is Ground Zero for Europe’s Backlash Against Illegal Airbnbs

3/31/2026

Paris has become the epicenter of Europe’s crackdown on illegal Airbnb listings, as the city and others across the continent push back against short-term rentals that officials say exacerbate housing shortages and affordability issues. The city now limits rentals to homeowners for 90 days a year, while second homes can only be rented to students or business visitors, with strict registration and tax requirements. Airbnb, which controls about 44% of the global short-term rental market, has responded by expanding services, experiences, and bookings in growth markets outside of Europe. Paris officials aim to reclaim roughly 20,000 illegally listed apartments.

Fortune (03/27/26) Vivienne Walt