Spanish court rejects Airbnb’s bid to suspend $73M fine over unlicensed tourist rentals

ISTANBUL

The Madrid High Court (TSJM) on Monday rejected Airbnb’s request for precautionary measures to suspend the €64 million ($73.6 million) fine imposed by the Spanish government, according to the broadcaster RTVE.

Spain's Social Rights Ministry announced in a news release that the high court rejected the request by the online short-term rental platform, while noting that it can file an appeal for reconsideration before the same court.

The fine, imposed last December, stems from Airbnb listing tourist accommodations without a license, violating regional rules requiring registration numbers in ads.

Airbnb reportedly published listings with incorrect or missing license numbers and misleading information about hosts, amounting to false advertising.

Authorities said the violations affected over 65,000 Airbnb listings.

Airbnb appealed the fine and requested a suspension of payment until a final ruling, a precautionary measure that has now been denied.