MEP Jaume Asens Llodrà (Verts/ALE) has asked the European Commission whether its upcoming European housing plan will include binding measures to allow member states and cities to limit short-term tourist rentals in areas designated as 'tensioned areas' – those experiencing significant housing market pressure. The question, submitted on 3 June 2026, highlights the worsening housing crisis driven by tourist rentals reducing residential supply and increasing costs, citing Barcelona's withdrawal of thousands of tourist licences as an example.
The MEP's question seeks concrete coordination and support mechanisms for cities already regulating or restricting tourist rentals in housing crisis areas. The query comes as the Commission prepares the first European housing plan, following the adoption of EU regulation on short-term accommodation rentals.
Asens Llodrà's question presses for binding measures that would give legal certainty to local authorities, potentially empowering them to cap or ban tourist rentals in tensioned areas. This would impact property owners and short-term rental platforms, who may face stricter limits, while benefiting local residents and tenants seeking affordable housing. The Commission is expected to reply within six weeks, and its answer will signal the direction of EU housing policy on this contentious issue.