Airbnb dwellings as well as “appart-hotels”, which are often used without permission in Brussels, are a source of frustration for the Brussels Alderman for Urbanism, Geoffroy Coomans. “More 1,000 landlord-rented dwellings intended for use by Brusselers are disappearing in favour of Airbnb dwellings.” This is the observation of the alderman who must, however, deliver the relevant certificates requested by the Brussels region. Yet, Brussels City Council lacks the staff to do this quickly.
Numerous apartments are often used or hired as “appart-hotels” on Airbnb, whilst still considered to be apartments and not tourist accommodation as such.
Consequently, hotel taxes or general taxes are not being paid upon these apartments and the rise of Airbnb is depriving Brusselers of housing. Moreover, such accommodation lacks the correct certificates but the time is running out to deliver them, and implement the relevant checks.
The Alderman goes on, “The delays in dealing with these are due to the region imposing new administrative requirements upon the communes without taking account of either the work involved, or the impact of this in terms of personnel.” Some 450 authorisation requests are pending at present.
The Brussels Times
