Poland's short-term rental bill omits community restrictions, sparking concern

Residents in Poland are facing a growing problem with short-term rentals, often described as "pseudo-hotels," which are turning their living spaces into a nightmare. This issue is not confined to Warsaw but is a widespread concern across the country.

The Ministry of Sport and Tourism has drafted a new bill on short-term rentals, which has been submitted to the government for review. Crucially, the draft has removed clauses that were strongly advocated for by residential communities and local authorities.

Unlike countries such as Spain and Greece, Poland has not yet opted for significant restrictions on short-term rentals, particularly those facilitated by platforms like Airbnb. The current proposal primarily focuses on implementing an EU directive that mandates the registration of rental properties. However, it notably excludes the ability for residential communities to decide whether hotel-like services can operate within their buildings. Furthermore, municipalities will not be able to implement zoning restrictions for short-term rentals, leaving residents with limited recourse against the proliferation of such businesses.