Prague candidates debate Airbnb regulations amid housing crisis

Prague is facing a critical housing crisis exacerbated by the rise of short-term rentals like Airbnb. Data from the Institute of Planning and Development of the City of Prague shows that as of June, Airbnb listings accounted for approximately 1.1 percent of the city's total housing stock, with nearly 80 percent of these units managed by multihostellers.

Mayoral candidates are debating various regulatory measures to address the impact on the historic center. Proposals include setting limits on the number of rental days allowed for entire apartments, stricter enforcement of building codes, and mandatory registration systems. While some candidates advocate for increased municipal housing to stabilize prices, others emphasize the need for a balanced market that protects both tenants' security and landlords' property rights.

In the Prague 1 district, a local referendum saw 72.26 percent of participants support restricting short-term rentals in residential buildings. Local officials, including Mayor Terezie Radoměřská, have called for more robust verification systems to ensure that properties used for tourism are not masquerading as standard residential housing, citing concerns over overtourism and the displacement of long-term residents.