Short-let rentals may face new rules: Landlords would need to secure neighbour approval for MTA licence

Apartment owners in Malta looking to rent out their properties as short-lets would need to secure the consent of their condominium neighbours, according to a proposal by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), said MTA CEO Carlo Micallef in response to questions from Times of Malta.

Without this approval, landlords who rent out their properties as short-lets on platforms like Airbnb would be unable to obtain the necessary MTA licence, Mr Micallef stated, noting that the rule change aims to balance community concerns with tourism needs.

He suggested that these new requirements form part of a comprehensive tourism accommodation reform set to be launched for public consultation in the coming months.

As part of the proposed regulation, landlords will be required to gain approval from their condominium association via a majority vote at general meetings, which would need to be renewed every three years. Landlords may appeal the condominium’s decision through a designated mechanism to ensure fairness and prevent potential misuse.

His response was given at the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE) annual conference on 12th November (today).

Sources also told Times of Malta that these measures respond to rising complaints from residents in apartment blocks about noise, litter, and high tenant turnover linked to short-term rentals. The new rules, however, would not apply to properties with direct street access, such as terraced houses, villas, and maisonettes.

In addition to easing tensions within shared apartment blocks, Mr Micallef highlighted that this regulation could increase long-let availability, thereby easing pressure on the housing market.