Vienna to tighten short-term rental regulations

Vienna is set to implement stricter regulations for short-term apartment rentals on platforms like Airbnb, effective January 1, 2027. Under the new rules, properties must be registered in a dedicated municipal directory to be offered for tourist purposes. Additionally, the city will cap short-term rentals at a maximum of 20 percent of available housing stock to prevent the conversion of residential space into commercial lodging.

Mayor Michael Ludwig stated that the measures aim to ensure at least 80 percent of apartments remain available for long-term residential use and to provide the city with better oversight regarding the permitted 90-day rental limit. Violators of the registration requirement could face fines of up to 50,000 euros. A transition period for existing providers will last until the end of the first quarter of 2027.

The Mietervereinigung Österreichs (Austrian Tenants' Association) has welcomed the decision, noting that housing is a basic necessity that should take precedence over short-term rental businesses. While supporting the city's move, the association emphasized the need for strict enforcement and broader federal reforms to rental law to ensure affordable housing.