Should Barcelona implement a complete ban on short-term rentals to prevent resident displacement and make housing more affordable?

Barcelona has become one of the most popular destinations for short-term rental platforms, like Airbnb, creating significant pressure on housing availability and affordability for locals. While the city already limits private short-term rental permits to 8,000, enforcement has proven challenging. Despite having a dedicated department to track compliance, many unlicensed rentals still operate undetected, disrupting neighborhoods and pushing up rents. A ban on short-term rentals for private owners would streamline enforcement, making it easier for the city and residents to identify and address illegal rentals quickly. This policy would not affect hotels, keeping tourism alive while reducing the competition between locals and tourists for residential properties. The hope is that by preserving housing stock for residents, the city could alleviate some of the affordability challenges and maintain community stability.