Buda Castle District council is launching a poll on short-term rentals (Airbnbs), allowing residents’ views to inform decisions on future regulation, the council told Hungarian news agency MTI.
Mayor wants a vibrant and attractive residential district
The issue is particularly timely because the statutory moratorium on registering new short-term accommodation will expire at the end of the year. The council must therefore decide what rules should apply in District I, the Hungarian news agency wrote.
Short-term rentals are a particularly significant issue in District I, one of Budapest’s main tourist destinations, especially in and around Buda Castle. Short-term rentals generates tourism revenue, but residents’ associations and property owners have also raised a number of concerns about such rentals.
“There are markedly different arguments and interests at stake in the debate, and all of them deserve consideration. As mayor, I believe it is right that we should not make decisions over the heads of the people who live here,” László Böröcz said, according to the statement.
The Fidesz mayor added that the council wanted to preserve Buda Castle as a vibrant and attractive residential district, while recognising that tourism and short-term rentals are important to many people and local businesses.
Buda Castle district may ban Airbnb
Residents aged 18 or over who have a permanent address in District I will be eligible to take part in the poll. They will be asked two questions.
The first will ask whether they support a complete ban on Airbnb. The second will ask whether, if Airbnb were not banned, they would support the council imposing conditions on the provision of short-term accommodation.
Airbnb restrictions in Budapest could deter tourists
In response to a question from MTI, the council said that District I currently has more than 400 licensed private accommodations and other properties, typically operated as commercial businesses.
The first Budapest district to ban Airbnb rentals was the capital’s 6th district following a referendum, which had a very low turnout.
Airbnb bust continues in Budapest: another district joins the regulations
Warning! Never stay in a Budapest Airbnb that has this sticker on it
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