Companies are challenging Lucerne’s “Airbnb” rules in court

The city of Lucerne’s short-term rental regulations are being challenged in court, as the city of Lucerne announced on Wednesday. “Several companies have applied for exemption,” explained Deborah Arnold, head of city planning. The cantonal court is now reviewing the regulations for their legality. The city is not “Discuss which companies they are. “Since this is an ongoing issue, we cannot provide any further information,” said Arnold.

The city council approved the rules for short-term rentals in June 2024. The referendum date has passed without being used, which is why the rules will take effect on 1 January 2025. The city writes that the revision of the rules has no effect on the entry. The rules were developed as voters approved the “Protect Housing – Regulate Airbnb” campaign in March 2023.

Offers require an identification number for a transitional period

From the date it came into effect, properties affected by the regulations can be rented for up to 90 days. Those affected are those buildings that have been displaced or destroyed since 2010. Their providers can apply for an extension for an unlimited rent until March 11, 2028. To do this, they must register their property with the city of Lucerne using an online form by the end of March 2025 at the latest and provide proof that they are eligible to do so.

You will then receive an identification number which must be provided when publishing offers. “If we see ads without an identification number, we will check if they fall under the rules. If so, we contact the providers and make them aware of the regulations and ask them to register with the city,” explained Arnold. However, it is not possible to apply for the transfer period after that – ie after the end of March 2025. From now on, those offering the property must adhere to the maximum rental period a maximum of 90 days for short-term stays. If providers break the rules intentionally or negligently, they will be fined.

Providers exempt from the regulations do not need to register. These include, for example, companies who provide short-term accommodation for their employees in staff flats, social centers and people who rent flats in do they live, as long as this does not produce an abusive result. Offers in the tourism and agricultural sectors are also not subject to the regulations.

The city has yet to receive many inquiries from bidders. “We have received questions from time to time about the rules. “The main question was when the regulations would come into effect,” said Arnold. The online registration forms are expected to be available on the website from November 4, 2024 www.stadtluzern.ch/kurzzeitvermietung available.