Berlin Bans Airbnb From Renting to Tourists

Berlin has banned Airbnb from renting to tourists in an effort to protect the city’s affordable housing and keep the rent as low as possible for its residents. The new “Zweckentfremdungsverbot” law, which went into effect on May 1, prohibits the short-term renting of entire apartments and houses to tourists without a city permit but it’s still possible to rent single rooms. Andreas Geise, Berlin’s head of urban development, recently told the The Local the law was “a necessary and sensible instrument against the housing shortage in Berlin.” He continues ”I am absolutely determined to return such misappropriated apartments to the people of Berlin and to newcomers.” City residents can be fined up to €100,000 EUR (approximately $114,860 USD) if they are found breaking the rules. As a result Airbnb’s listings for the German capital dropped by almost 40% in a month.