The Cypriot House of Representatives has unanimously voted to amend its laws governing short-term rentals, bringing the country’s regulations in line with a new, unified European Union framework. The move is designed to create a more transparent and reliable market for platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.
The Drive for a Unified EU Market
The new EU-wide rules, which Cyprus has now adopted, aim to harmonize the short-term rental sector across all member states. The primary goal is to establish a clear system for how data is collected and shared between property hosts, online platforms, and public authorities. This is expected to make the market safer for guests, create fairer competition for hosts, and provide valuable data for tourism planning.
Key Changes Under the New Law
The updated legislation introduces several significant changes for the short-term rental market in Cyprus:
- Mandatory Registration Numbers: All listings must now display a clear registration number, allowing travelers to easily identify legitimate and licensed accommodations.
- Enhanced Data Sharing: Online platforms will be required to share data more effectively with public authorities, which will support better tourism management and planning.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: The law introduces penalties for hosts and platforms that fail to adhere to the new registration and data-sharing requirements.
Timeline for Implementation
These new EU-aligned rules are set to officially come into force on May 20, 2026. This timeline provides a transition period for hosts, property managers, and online platforms to adapt their systems and ensure they are fully compliant with the new legal framework. The changes are expected to lead to a more sustainable and regulated tourism sector.
Source: Cyprus Property News