Holiday rental in part Amsterdam prohibited from 1 July, Airbnb angry Inland

The ban will apply in the districts of Burgwallen-Oude Zijde, Burgwallen-Nieuwe Zijde and the Grachtengordel-Zuid. There, tourism puts pressure on the quality of life for residents so that a ban on holiday rental is necessary.

Until the end of May, Amsterdammers could give their opinion on the ban to be introduced in the city center. Of the 780 speakers, three quarters were in favor, for some, holiday rentals should even be prohibited throughout the city. “But that is not feasible under current legislation and regulations,” says Ivens.

According to European rules, tourist rental can only be limited if there is an ‘overriding reason in the public interest’. The city council can therefore only intervene in those neighborhoods where the balance has been demonstrably seriously disturbed. That is the case in the old city center and the section of the canal belt south of it, the municipality has had investigated.

The scheme is provisionally valid for two years. If it turns out that there is also nuisance from holiday rental in other neighborhoods, then new forbidden neighborhoods can be designated. The tourist rental of housing in the capital has grown strongly in recent years. For example, 1 in 15 homes in Amsterdam is offered online and the offer on the various rental platforms has increased fivefold, to about 25,000 advertisements per month.

Airbnb: confusing and ‘harmful to Amsterdammers’

Airbnb is angry about the proposed measure. The company of the website on which people can rent a room or apartment, speaks of short-term solutions that are expensive, confusing and harmful for Amsterdammers. “We are very concerned because these proposals are illegal and violate the basic rights of Amsterdammers, as well as income decreasing during these difficult times. To combat nuisance, we have introduced a series of effective measures that were welcomed by Alderman Ivens. In addition, the House of Representatives will soon be voting on new national legislation on holiday rental with the support of municipalities and platforms. We want to work with Amsterdam on sustainable solutions and not short-term solutions that are expensive, confusing and harmful to Amsterdammers and the local business community in these challenging times. ”

Among other things, Airbnb has launched an improved neighborhood support online portal and a new telephone helpline that is available 24/7 to local residents.

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