New Transparency to Prevent Misuse of Residential Space - Bavaria cracks down on short-term rentals with strict new housing law

Bavaria has become the first German state to pass strict rules on short-term holiday rentals. The new Anti-Misuse of Housing Act, set to take effect on 1 April 2026, will require all properties listed on platforms like Airbnb to be officially registered. Authorities say the law aims to tackle housing shortages in cities and popular tourist areas by cracking down on illegal conversions of residential space into holiday lets.

Before the state-wide law was announced, 42 Bavarian municipalities had already introduced their own local registration systems for short-term rentals. Now, the new legislation will standardise these efforts across Bavaria.

Under the rules, property owners must obtain an official registration number for any short-term rental listing. This number must then be provided to the online platform before advertising the property. A centralised digital portal, operated by the Federal Network Agency, will allow authorities to access and verify rental data. Municipalities will also gain access to an EU-wide data-sharing system, enabling them to cross-check information with platforms for enforcement purposes. The law specifically targets landlords who illegally convert long-term housing into short-term tourist accommodations, a practice critics claim worsens housing shortages by pushing up rents.

The measures, approved by Bavaria's state parliament, mark the first time a German state has introduced such regulations. From April 2026, enforcement will rely on digital tracking and mandatory registration to ensure compliance. The law's success could influence how other regions address housing pressures linked to short-term rental growth.