There has been a recent surge in the registration of properties rented online, including those listed on platforms like Airbnb.
By law, properties must be registered with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism in order to be advertised and offered for short-term rentals. Despite this requirement, a large number of these properties remain unregistered.
Estimates suggest that approximately half of the 15,000 accommodations advertised on various platforms are not officially registered.
Recent efforts by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and other services have led to a continuous rise in registrations. According to data obtained by Philenews in mid-September, the number of registered properties reached 7,800, an increase from 7,312 in July. This means 500 accommodations were added to the registry in less than two months. In comparison, there were only 4,765 registered properties in April of last year. The current figure of 7,800 registered accommodations represents roughly 35,000 beds.
A significant number of registration applications are still pending approval, according to a source from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, indicating that the registration process is actively progressing. There is also the possibility of another campaign being launched to combat illegal rentals; a move hoteliers are pushing for due to their claims of unfair competition.
Registration fee and penalties
The registration fee for self-catering accommodations in the registry is €222 for a three-year period. Registration is completed online via the Deputy Ministry’s website, with specific details and certificates required.
Under current legislation, anyone operating a self-catering accommodation without a registration permit, or whose permit has been revoked, is committing an offence. On conviction they face a prison sentence of up to one year, a fine of up to €5,000, or both. If the offence continues after conviction, additional fines of up to €200 per day may be imposed.
Last year I personally spoke with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism to obtain a list of properties in my immediate area that are registered, as we had several apartments renting through several online platforms and we had been contacted by potential renters to ask if the properties they were booking were legally registered.
The response from the Deputy Ministry was not at all positive. Whilst they maintain a register, they do not divulge any details. In my view, absolutely wrong as potential holiday renters should be able to see a public register to confirm the property is legally registered.
There are a great number of Cyprus rental properties that in effect fiddle details on websites, put fake numbers in (1234567, etc) is often used, just so they can get past any website requirement to enter a registration number. The websites I check with online do not even check for simple basic validity.
What checks does the Deputy Minsitry take. Little or non I am aware of.
It appeared to me at least the Deputy Ministry was not really interested in illegal unlicensed renting and fake platform information. Responses to questions confirmed a lack of interest in confirming anything.
All registered properties should have publicly accessible confirmation of registration for people to check so they at least have some comfort a property is legally managed, has met the licensing requirements, insurance etc.
I agree Mike. Details of properties that have registered should be available for public inspection.
You can’t even find out the name of someone who owns a property. It’s secrecy gone mad.