Prague continues its efforts to tighten conditions for short-term Airbnb accommodation in its territory
According to Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates) Due to the gradual loosening of measures against the spread of coronavirus, it is possible that tourists will gradually start coming to Prague again, which means that many of them will start using accommodation again via Airbnb-type platforms. In contrast, the city basically has nothing, but many providers are said to not comply with the rules and conditions. The ministry can help with that.
“Our goal is for the Ministry of Regional Development to recognize that housing is something other than housing and that the shared economy is already far from the original intention. So we want the ministry to give clear instructions to building authorities, which is the state administration, how to proceed, “says Zdeněk Hřib.
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Building officials should, on the basis of the Ministry’s methodological instructions, consistently focus on proving that the flats are actually used for long-term housing, as they have been approved. According to Hřiba, short-term accommodation basically means that they function as hotels. But unlike Airbnb services, for example, they have to pay a number of fees and fulfill other obligations.
Help for other apartment owners
Improved control and better regulation should help, for example, other apartment owners in houses where short-term accommodation works. “The regulation aims to protect the rights of other owners who want to live in apartments or rent them out for housing. At the same time, it aims to protect people’s lives and health, for example in the area of fire protection for the benefit of the population, “Hana Marvanová (United Forces for Prague) first, a councilor for legislation and housing. Prague has also prepared an analysis that substantiates the arguments. It is said that the ministry has already shown interest in this and wants to negotiate with Prague on its basis.
This is not the first step of the municipality in trying to tighten the conditions for short-term accommodation. Already last year, on the basis of a bill, we are trying to enforce the obligation of platforms to communicate information about the host to municipalities on request, similar to doing hotels. In the Chamber of Deputies, we are also waiting for an amendment to the Trade Licensing Act, which would allow municipalities to provide short-term accommodation on their territory, which they were to regulate.