‘Some places have become a jungle’: Hosts and residents react to short-let clampdown proposals

A petition calling for tighter regulation and enforcement around short-term rentals in Malta is gaining attention, as residents across several tourism hotspots express frustration over noise disturbances, waste mismanagement, and a lack of accountability for visitor behaviour.

The petition was launched by Academic and Partit Momentum Leader Arnold Cassola, and calls on Parliament to act swiftly to protect quality of life in residential areas.

A system that holds hosts and guests accountable

The petition proposes five key measures, including:

• On-the-spot fines for guests who violate noise or waste rules;
• Increased enforcement in peak tourism months;
• Escalating penalties for licensed property owners following repeated verified complaints;
• A mandatory security deposit for every booking;
• A public awareness campaign targeting tourists and property owners alike.

Mark Camilleri Gambin, a member of Partit Momentum, insists the proposals are designed to protect responsible hosts while deterring repeat negligence. “The system is designed to target repeated, verified offenses, which indicates a pattern of poor property management, not a single unpredictable incident,” he tells BusinessNow.mt.

He added that the proposed mandatory security deposit would offer hosts a financial tool to recover fines incurred due to guest misconduct, while enforcement would be streamlined via MTA licensing obligations. Platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com would be legally obliged to activate a deposit feature for Maltese listings.

“This makes compliance a technical prerequisite for accessing the market, effectively standardising the rule across all major online channels,” he explains, noting that a new EU regulation (EU 2024/1028) will already require registration numbers and platform data-sharing by 2026.

Mixed views from hosts

One Airbnb host in Bormla, who preferred to remain anonymous, largely agrees with the petition’s goals but cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach.

“Some places have been turned into a jungle,” he tells this newsroom. “But I take pride in what I do. I explain everything to my guests – from the rubbish schedule to noise expectations. Groups can be problematic, one thing leads to another and they get carried away.”

While he expressed support for the first three recommendations, he pushed back on the idea of mandatory security deposits. “I’ve had better experiences with short-let tenants than with long-term ones. I don’t think this should be applied across the board – what works in Sliema doesn’t necessarily apply in the port area.”

Another short-let host based in San Ġiljan, who also requested anonymity, shared similar sentiments. “My guests have mostly been very respectful. I screen bookings carefully, and I always leave clear instructions about how to behave in a residential area. Most of the time, the problem comes from a lack of communication, not malice. I understand the need for rules, but I’d be concerned if the rules made it harder for responsible hosts like me to operate.”

Residents frustrated but realistic

A Sliema resident who lives near a student hostel described frequent disturbances, especially during the early morning hours.
“I often wake up at 4am to ask tourists to quiet down. Usually, they comply. I even suggested the local council put up signs to remind visitors to be respectful, but they didn’t seem too interested.”

He also called for more empathy, noting: “Everyone was a teenager once – you need to be patient and remind them.”

 “This is what happens with progress – there’s good and bad. The country is earning a lot from tourists, but then we complain about the rubbish they leave behind,” he added.

A wider call for balance and communication

Mr Camilleri Gambin believes the time is ripe for Malta to address the growing tension between its booming tourism economy and residents’ right to peace and cleanliness. He envisions a national awareness campaign spearheaded by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), but coordinated with airlines, airports, and accommodation providers. “For the message to be effective (and fair), it must apply universally to all tourists, regardless of whether they are staying in a short-let property or not,” he emphasises.

He confirmed that the petition is already being circulated among MPs, including Graham Bencini, who has pledged to spread it through his networks. “This issue ultimately affects all residents,” Mr Camilleri Gambin added.

As short-let platforms grow and visitor numbers climb, Malta may soon be forced to answer a pressing question: Can it find a way to welcome tourists without alienating the communities they visit?