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EU: Court rules Airbnb does not require estate agent licence

By  |  December 19, 2019

Airbnb has secured a victory in its fight to avoid more regulation by city authorities after the European court of justice ruled that it acted as an “information society service” rather than a real estate agency.

The EU court said the company did not require an estate agent’s licence to operate in France as it was mainly providing a tool for presenting and finding accommodation for rent rather than acting as a broker.

The ruling is a boost for the company ahead of of its stock market listing next year. Airbnb is fighting claims from city authorities around the world, including Paris, Amsterdam and Barcelona, that its services are changing the face of neighbourhoods and that it should come under heavier regulation.

Airbnb, which is registered in Ireland, said the court decision would allow it to “move forward and continue working with cities on clear rules”.

Full Content: Financial Times

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