EXPLAINED: Why Czechia is backtracking on its plans to limit Airbnb

A new change to Czechia’s Act on Tourism Business will likely prevent local governments from limiting short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, signaling a U-turn in the government’s plans to clamp down on commercial accommodation providers.

The original amendment, introduced by former Minister of Regional Development Ivan Bartoš, aimed to allow local governments to set limits on short-term rentals offered through these platforms. 

However, with Bartoš and the Pirates party (to which he belonged) no longer in the government, members of parliament have today proposed removing this provision from the bill.

Last year, Czechia prepared a new law requiring all accommodation providers—including hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rental hosts on platforms like Airbnb and Booking—to collect and store personal information about their guests in a centralized electronic database. This is known as the e-Turista system.

According to the Ministry of Regional Development, this would allow the state to gain a better overview of short-term rentals and ensure the collection of necessary fees and taxes. The system was slated to come into force around July this year.

A 2024 study conducted by the Prague Institute of Planning and Development also revealed that the main challenge in regulating short-term rentals is the lack of data from companies like Airbnb. The company has refused to provide data to the city, hindering the enforcement of laws.

The move sparked opposition, particularly regarding data privacy concerns tied to the proposed e-Turista system, which would track guest information. 

“The e-Turista system is nothing more than a tool of the government, police, or intelligence services for spying on the movements of residents and tourists,” ANO Deputy Chairman Robert Králíček wrote on X this week. 

“The state wants to know when, where, and with whom you are, allegedly to reduce administration for businesses and increase security. We strictly reject any interference by the state in the privacy of individuals.”

His remarks were later shared by opposition leader Andrej Babiš, signaling ANO’s official stance against the proposal.

According to critics, the new regulation for short-term rentals, like Airbnb, has several issues. First, many rental providers operate in a "gray zone," meaning they are not properly identified. Without clear identification, enforcing rules is difficult. Critics say registration numbers should not be given freely, as providers should first prove they meet legal requirements.

Another issue is the lack of supervision. The law does not give building authorities the power to check if rentals follow safety rules. If a rental is illegal, there is no clear way to remove its registration.

Additionally, local governments may not have access to important data. This makes it harder for them to manage problems caused by short-term rentals. Without proper oversight, the system may be inefficient or even dangerous, like allowing restaurants to open without health inspections.ould first prove they meet legal requirements.

Politicians are today discussing the issue in parliament, though it is unlikely to pass without the Pirates' backing.