Polish government adopts mandatory short‑term rental register

The Polish cabinet approved a draft amendment to the Hotel Services Act that creates a mandatory Central Register of Tourist Accommodation (CWTON) for all short‑term rentals, defined as lodging for less than 30 days. Owners must obtain a registration number, comply with fire‑safety, sanitary and building standards, and provide a house‑rules document. Online platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com and OLX are required to verify registration numbers and report data to national authorities. Non‑compliance can attract fines up to 50,000 zł.

The legislation implements an EU regulation demanding member states to collect and share data on short‑term rental units. The original proposal allowed municipalities to designate “no‑Airbnb” zones, but a July 7 amendment removed that provision. This change sparked a coalition dispute, with ministers Katarzyna Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz condemning the bill: “Zero rights for local authorities in establishing zones free from Airbnb. Zero rights for residents to decide whether they have a ‘brothel/hotel’ behind their walls.” The government argues the focus should be on registering properties and ensuring safety, not on zoning restrictions.