Spain's Supreme Court Strikes Down National Registry for Tourist Rentals

5/26/2026

Spain’s Supreme Court has struck down a national registry system that required short-term rental owners to obtain a registration number before listing properties on platforms. The measure, introduced by Spain’s coalition government last year to regulate the fast-growing tourist rental market, was challenged by regional governments, which argued that housing and tourism rules should remain under their authority. The court agreed, ruling that the central government overstepped its powers because similar regional registries already exist. However, the decision still allows authorities to require online platforms to share data on rental listings under European Union rules.

Reuters (05/21/26) Corina Pons