Short-term rentals have become a common part of both the tourist and residential markets and are significantly transforming the way cities function. In addition to the benefits for tourism, they are putting pressure on housing affordability, neighbourhood relations, enforcement of rules, and a level playing field between different types of accommodation.

Both the European rules and the Czech proposals seek a balance between the right of municipalities to protect housing, the right of owners to dispose of their property, and the needs of tourism. Effective regulation will be based on data, clear competencies, information sharing, and control that can limit the gray area without punishing honest hosts without evidence.

How much of the housing crisis in central Prague is actually caused by short-term rentals? What data does the city have to provide before imposing restrictions, and how strict is the regulation defensible? Is registration, nightly restrictions, house approval, or a complete ban in some locations more effective? And how to protect neighbors and honest guests from moving the offer into the gray zone?