The European Union has adopted new regulations that will fundamentally change the short-term rental market. Regulation (EU) 2024/1028 on the collection and sharing of data related to short-term accommodation rental services came into force in May 2024, and its full implementation is expected by 2026. For those of you renting apartments on the Adriatic, this is not just a bureaucratic formality – this is a moment that requires adaptation and understanding of the new rules of the game.
Why did the EU adopt this regulation?
Short-term rentals have experienced explosive growth over the past decade. Platforms like Airbnb, Booking, and others have transformed the way tourists find accommodation. However, this growth has also brought challenges – from impacts on the real estate market in tourist centers to issues of tax fairness and guest safety.
The European Commission recognized the need for a unified framework that will enable:
- Data transparency – public authorities will gain better insight into the actual state of short-term rentals
- Fairer taxation – reduction of the gray economy and tax evasion
- Protection of local communities – the ability to make informed decisions about rental regulation
- Equal conditions – harmonization of rules for all accommodation service providers
Key Provisions of Regulation 2024/1028
Registration and unique identification number
The most significant change brought by this regulation is the mandatory registration of all short-term rental units. Every apartment, holiday home, or room you offer on the market will need to have a unique registration number. Without this number, online platforms will not be allowed to publish your listings.
For you as a host, this specifically means:
- Registering the property in a national or local registry
- Obtaining a unique number that will be visible in every listing
- Regularly updating property information
Obligations of online platforms
Platforms like Airbnb, Booking, and VRBO will receive new responsibilities. They will have to verify the validity of registration numbers, remove listings without valid registration, and regularly submit activity data to competent authorities.
This is actually good news for legal hosts. Platforms will have to filter out illegal offers, which means less competition from those who have not followed the rules until now.
Data sharing with authorities
The regulation establishes a data exchange system between platforms and public bodies. This includes information about the number of overnight stays, revenues, and occupancy rates of accommodation capacities. The data will be used for statistical analyses, but also for verifying tax obligations.
What does this mean for Croatian hosts?
Croatia already has a relatively developed host registration system through the eVisitor system. However, the new EU regulation will require additional adaptations of national legislation.
Advantages for conscientious hosts
If you already operate transparently and report all income, the new regulation brings you advantages:
- Less unfair competition – those who have been working illegally will have to adapt
- Greater guest trust – the registration number guarantees the legitimacy of your accommodation
- Clearer rules – instead of different regulations in each country, a unified EU framework
Challenges to anticipate
Of course, every new regulation also brings certain challenges:
- Administrative burden – the need for additional documentation and registrations
- Technological adaptation – ensuring that all your listings contain a valid registration number
- Stricter control – higher likelihood of inspection supervision and checks
How to prepare in time?
You have time until the full implementation of the regulation, but smart hosts are already taking preparatory steps now.
Check your documentation
Review whether you have all the necessary permits and registrations for renting. In Croatia, this includes:
- Decision on approval for providing hospitality services
- Accommodation categorization
- Registration in the eVisitor system
- Proper tax documentation
Follow legislative changes
Croatia will have to adapt national regulations to the EU regulation. Follow announcements from the Ministry of Tourism and Economy and local tourist boards. Changes are expected during 2025.
Digitize your business
The new regulation emphasizes digital data exchange. If you are still keeping records on paper, it's time to switch to digital tools. Systems like those offered by BarbaBooking can significantly facilitate reservation management and documentation.
Impact on the short-term rental market
Analysts predict that the new regulation will lead to market consolidation. Smaller hosts who operated in the gray zone will have to decide – legalize their business or exit the market.
For professional hosts on the Adriatic, this opens up opportunities. Destinations like Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, and the islands will remain highly sought after, and those who operate transparently will have a competitive advantage.
Local communities gain tools
The regulation gives local authorities the data needed to make decisions about short-term rental regulation. Cities will be able to more precisely determine zones where rentals are allowed, limit the number of rental days, or introduce additional conditions.
We are already seeing examples of cities considering stricter regulations – from Dubrovnik, which is struggling with the pressures of mass tourism, to smaller towns that want to preserve the local community.
Conclusion: Adaptation as an opportunity
Regulation (EU) 2024/1028 is not a threat, but a step towards professionalizing the short-term rental industry. For hosts on the Adriatic who already operate conscientiously and transparently, this is an opportunity to stand out in an increasingly demanding market.
The key to success lies in timely preparation. Make sure your documentation is in order, follow legislative changes, and invest in the quality of your offer. Guests increasingly value reliability and professionalism – and the new regulation puts exactly that in the spotlight.
At the BarbaBooking.com platform, we help hosts stay one step ahead of changes. From tracking reservations to complying with new regulations – we are here to keep your business running smoothly, regardless of the regulatory challenges that come.