Petition launched for tougher rules on short-lets as noise and waste issues mount

A new petition is urging Parliament to take immediate action against unregulated short-term rentals and tourist nuisance in Malta’s most heavily visited areas.

Launched by Arnold Cassola, Chairperson of new political party Momentum, just four days ago, the petition has already garnered attention for its sharp critique of enforcement failures and its concrete list of proposed reforms.

The petition focuses on areas like Swieqi, St Julian’s, Sliema, Buġibba, Qawra, and Valletta, however these are just a few of the places being impacted.

BusinessNow.mt spoke to Prof. Cassola, who emphasised that the localities named are “only a few examples” of a much broader problem. “There are far too many tourists concentrated in a few places,” he said. “This is a very big problem, and we are reaching a peak where there are a lot of Airbnb’s and now big problems with waste.”

The petition outlines key grievances faced by residents:

• Loud and disruptive noise during the night and early morning hours
• Rubbish being left out on non-collection days
• A lack of enforcement on both short-let operators and tourists who disregard community standards

In response, the petition calls on Government to implement a five-point plan:

1. On-the-spot fines for guests of tourist accommodations who breach noise or waste regulations
2. Increased night-time patrols and enforcement personnel during peak tourism months
3. Escalating penalties for property owners after verified complaints, to be implemented by the MTA
4. Mandatory security deposits for all short-let bookings, to ensure that fines for misconduct can be recovered
5. A public awareness campaign targeting tourists and property owners about community expectations and legal obligations

“Residents have a right to sleep and relax,” Prof. Cassola says, stressing the importance of noise enforcement. “There needs to be enforcement on the spot,” he insists.

He also underscored the need for accountability when it comes to fines. “We are proposing that the tourist is fined and the owner does good for the fines by a deposit that is taken before the stay, if the tourist doesn’t pay.”

Another issue raised was the absence of functioning police stations in several localities. “There can’t be any more closed police stations in places like Pembroke and Swieqi,” Prof. Cassola warns, arguing that this undermines residents’ sense of security.

This concern echoes those expressed earlier this year by Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Reforms Darren Carabott, who noted that numerous localities including Mellieħa, Għargħur, Kalkara, Birgu, and Mqabba.

As the number of short-let properties continues to grow, especially in already congested tourist hotspots, residents and campaigners are calling on lawmakers to prioritise their well-being.

“There needs to be basic respect from tourists,” Prof. Cassola concluded. “And it’s important that Parliament takes this thing seriously.”