This country wants to crack down on tourist accommodation to combat noisy visitors and tax evasion.
ADVERTISEMENTLocals living in tourist hotspots have had enough of high rent prices and housing shortages caused by short-term holiday rentals.
Following the lead of cities like London, Dublin, Amsterdam and Paris, another European destination is cracking down on Airbnb-style rentals.
New regulations proposed by the Czech government could limit the amount of short-term tourist accommodation available in popular cities like Prague.
It is hoped the move will bring down real estate prices and ensure residents are not forced out by tourists.
How might Czechia limit Airbnb-style rentals?
A draft bill approved by the Czech government this month would allow municipalities and cities to limit Airbnb-style accommodation.
This could include capping the number of days a property can be rented out per year, as well as defining a minimum amount of space required per guest.
It would also place stricter regulations and relevant local taxes on guesthouses, Airbnbs and other holiday rentals, bringing their obligations in line with traditional hotels.
Property owners would be required to register accommodation and guest details via a new platform called eTurista. A registration number for the property will be provided, which must be displayed on accommodation listings.
If approved, it is hoped the new system will help to increase oversight of short-term rentals, many of which currently operate in a grey area.
Currently, officials estimate that between 40 to 70 per cent of stays via online platforms are not reported, which could lead to almost €32 million in lost taxes annually.
The new rules could come into force in July 2025.
How else is Prague cracking down on tourists?
As well as keeping tabs on rental accommodation, the new rules intend to limit the number of tourist apartments in city centres - reducing noise disturbance in the process.
In Prague in particular, rowdy tourists are driving locals out of the capital’s historic Old Town. The Airbnb crackdown has therefore been welcomed by district councillors.
It won’t be their first attempt to rein in noisy visitors. Earlier this year, one district council proposed a ban on outlandish costumes worn by stag and hen parties, which it said encourage drunk and rowdy behaviour in Prague’s popular nightlife district.
Some councillors suggested that “socially unacceptable” attire was contributing to nighttime noise and unruliness, particularly on organised pub crawls.
ADVERTISEMENTA previous plea by the city district to limit business opening hours in the city centre was rejected last year.
However, a ban on cars entering part of the Old Town at night was approved in July to reduce noise in the area. It prevents vehicles from entering the historic district between 10pm and 6am.
