Palma takes action: Over €300,000 in fines for illegal holiday rentals in Llevant

Palma steps up enforcement: Punishment instead of treating the symptom

On a mild afternoon strolling through Llevant — the cry of seagulls over the harbor, voices in Spanish, German and English, the clink of espresso cups on terraces — much seems normal. Behind some doors, however, other stories unfold: rooms rented to tourists by the day or week without a valid registration number, without the check-in and check-out formalities required by law. As a result, the island council has imposed fines totaling more than €300,000.

Key question: Do fines solve the problem — or only the symptom?

The central question is simple: Do coercive measures like those in Llevant provide lasting relief for the housing shortage — or do they merely shift the problem? The inspections targeted an apartment building where several units were systematically offered on booking platforms. Indications of missing paperwork, irregular registrations and atypical guest turnover prompted authorities to act. Many affected units are now empty or have been removed from the portals.

Analysis: Why fines alone are not enough

Fines are intended to deter, and they can have an effect. But the deeper causes remain: owners who rent short-term to tourists often earn substantially more than with long-term leases. That reduces the supply for permanent residents, drives up rents — especially in neighborhoods like Llevant — and alters the social mix of the area. Families, retirees and young professionals feel this acutely.

Another, less-discussed point is the role of international platforms and commercial subletting operators. When apartments are centrally managed, key handovers organized off-island and listings automatically generated, enforcing the law becomes harder. There are also cases where owners live abroad and have little interest in local issues — a factor that complicates inspections.

What residents are saying

A neighbor who has lived in Llevant for ten years summed it up: "You used to not know who was living here. Since the pandemic it's gotten worse — many apartments constantly change guests." On the Plaça, however, there is cautious hope: a cafe owner said on his way back, between the clatter of plates and the smell of freshly roasted coffee, "It's good that consequences are finally being enforced, but we need long-term solutions for affordable housing."

Concrete opportunities and approaches

Inspections are necessary, but they should be part of a broader package of measures. Some concrete proposals:

1. Transparent registration and digital cross-checks: A centralized, publicly accessible list of legally registered holiday rentals would make inspections easier and help guests verify listings before booking. Digital interfaces with booking platforms could enable automated checks.

2. Sanctions plus incentives: In addition to fines, tax incentives could encourage owners to switch to long-term rentals. Deadlines and mandatory remediation measures could also make sense, rather than only immediate penalties.

3. Local management instead of remote renting: Rules that require a local contact person (a manager based on the island) would clarify responsibilities and speed up complaint handling.

4. Social housing and repurposing: Municipal programs to convert vacant holiday apartments into affordable housing could provide long-term relief — accompanied by funding programs for renovation and maintenance.

Practical tip for tourists and neighbors

Anyone booking a holiday apartment should ask for the registration number in advance and check it with the municipality. Neighbors who notice irregularities — such as constant guest turnover or the absence of a local contact — can report violations. Such tips are often the starting point for inspection teams.

Conclusion: Strict controls are a start

The fines in Llevant send a clear signal: Palma will no longer tolerate illegal short-term rentals. But without complementary measures — digital transparency, incentives for long-term renting, local contacts and a greater supply of social housing — hope remains fragile. On the Plaça, beneath the hum of air conditioners and the murmur of voices, people mostly wish for one thing: housing they can afford. Controls are necessary, but they must be accompanied by other measures so the neighborhood remains livable not only for tourists but for those who live here.