Munich, Bavaria, Germany – As the 191st Oktoberfest, scheduled to commence on September 19, 2026, draws closer, the Mieterverein München (Munich Tenants’ Association) and the Hotel- und Gaststättenverband Dehoga München (Hotel and Restaurant Association) have intensified their calls for stricter regulations on short-term rentals. Both organizations are urging for comprehensive monitoring and more extensive approval procedures for platforms such as Airbnb, aiming to safeguard the housing market and establish equitable competitive conditions for traditional hospitality.
Soaring Rental Prices and Regulatory Gaps
The Mieterverein München has highlighted the exorbitant prices for holiday apartments during the upcoming Oktoberfest, with some single overnight stays reportedly reaching four-figure euro amounts. While Munich has legal provisions to limit the misuse of residential space, the associations point to significant shortcomings in enforcing these regulations. Currently, short-term rentals in Munich are capped at a maximum of eight weeks per year. However, the Mieterverein indicates that this permissible limit is frequently exceeded in practice.
Significant Capacity Beyond Traditional Hotels
Data suggests that the scale of short-term rentals in Munich has reached substantial levels. Estimates from the Mieterverein indicate between 11,000 and 17,000 holiday apartments within the city. Specifically for Airbnb, the capacity is estimated at up to 17,000 beds. In contrast, the traditional hotel industry, according to Dehoga München, offers approximately 100,000 hotel beds. This number has increased by about 10,000 beds since the end of the pandemic. Despite this expansion, the hotel sector perceives a distortion of competition due to the uncontrolled proliferation of private and commercially operated holiday accommodations.
New Registration Requirement: A First Step
In response to ongoing criticism regarding short-term rentals, the City of Munich is planning to implement a general registration requirement for offerings on platforms like Airbnb. This regulation is expected to come into effect by October or November 2026. Under this new system, providers will be required to officially register their accommodations, which is intended to facilitate the verification of compliance with the eight-week limit.
Calls for Further Approval Requirements
However, the Mieterverein München and Dehoga München believe these plans do not go far enough. Both organizations are advocating for the introduction of an explicit approval requirement in addition to the mere registration. They argue that simple registration is insufficient to effectively curb the misuse of residential space and alleviate pressure on Munich’s already strained rental market. The demands from these associations underscore the growing tension between the tourism sector and the critical need for affordable housing in the state capital. As Oktoberfest once again attracts millions of visitors, the issue of legally compliant and socially responsible accommodation remains a central point of contention in city politics.
Impact on Landlords and Future Outlook
Landlords in Munich who use platforms like Airbnb are advised to take the planned registration requirement seriously. The eight-week limit is often exceeded in practice, and the new system aims to address this. The Mieterverein has also suggested that a guide will be made available to help landlords understand the new requirements and properly document their rental days.
The city’s move to regulate short-term rentals reflects a broader trend in popular tourist destinations grappling with the balance between supporting tourism and protecting local residents’ access to affordable housing. The outcome of these measures and the potential for further restrictions will be closely watched by both the tourism industry and housing advocates in Munich.
Source: boerse-express.com
