Seismic Risk in Bucharest: Hundreds of Illegal Rentals Found in Unsafe Buildings
Tourists visiting Bucharest are increasingly staying in illegal short-term rentals located in buildings officially classified as high-risk for seismic collapse. Data analyzed by the Romanian organization Re:Rise identified at least 207 properties listed on Airbnb and Booking.com that are situated in structures categorized as “RS1,” the highest level of seismic vulnerability. These rentals, which have the capacity to host more than 1,000 guests nightly, remain active despite Romanian legislation passed in 2024 that explicitly bans both short- and long-term rentals in such buildings.
The Scale of the Seismic Threat
Bucharest is the most seismically vulnerable capital in the European Union. The city’s history is defined by the 1977 earthquake, which caused the collapse of 32 buildings in under a minute, resulting in more than 1,500 deaths and 10,000 injuries.
According to a 2022 risk assessment by the Bucharest City Committee for Emergency Situations, a future major earthquake could severely damage approximately 23,000 buildings. Experts, including structural engineer and Re:Rise founder Matei Sumbasacu, warn that the potential for devastation is higher today than in the past because much of the city’s building stock has deteriorated. While retrofitting efforts began following the 1977 disaster, progress stalled when funds were diverted toward the construction of the House of the People, now Romania’s Palace of Parliament, under the Ceaușescu regime. Since 1994, only 35 buildings have been reinforced.
Platform Responsibility and Regulatory Gaps
The listings for these high-risk properties are predominantly hosted on major platforms, with Booking.com accounting for 116 units and Airbnb for 47, while 44 properties are listed on both. Despite the 2024 law making it illegal to rent space in RS1-classified buildings, neither platform requires hosts to verify the structural integrity of their properties.
“We tried everything possible to alert the platforms about this problem, but they told us it is the responsibility of the owners, not theirs,” said Matei Sumbasacu.
For guests, the risk is often obscured. While Romanian law requires RS1 buildings to display a red dot at the entrance—a warning that is often missed by tourists unfamiliar with the local signage—online descriptions frequently downplay or omit the danger. In one instance, a host noted that a building “may appear in older seismic risk classifications” but claimed this was “common for historic buildings.”
Guest Experience and Safety Concerns
The lack of transparency has left some travelers feeling exposed. Ana Todor, who booked two Airbnb stays in RS1 buildings in 2025, described her experience as unsettling. “Descriptions that downplay the danger are a Hello Kitty plaster on a deep crack,” Todor said. She noted that the buildings appeared visibly compromised.
In response to the findings, Airbnb stated it is investigating the specific listings identified by the Guardian and Re:Rise. A spokesperson for the company noted that they have requested hosts to prove their buildings are not classified as RS1 and will delist those that cannot provide such documentation. Booking.com maintains that its partners are responsible for adhering to local laws and that there is a process for authorities to report problematic listings.
Ongoing Efforts to Mitigate Risk
With the city hall stating that inspections are primarily conducted in response to complaints, local activists have taken direct action. Volunteers from Re:Rise have begun placing stickers on key lockboxes outside known RS1 buildings. Each sticker includes a QR code that directs tourists to information about the specific seismic risk of the building they are about to enter.
While the city hall reported sending approximately 3,000 notifications to building owners regarding the new legislation, the true number of unsafe rentals is likely higher than the 207 identified, as only a fraction of the city’s housing stock has been formally assessed for risk.
Did you know?
Since 1994, only 35 buildings in Bucharest have been reinforced, despite the city having thousands of structures at high risk of collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to rent an apartment in a high-risk building in Bucharest?
Yes. As of 2024, Romania has outlawed both short- and long-term rentals in buildings classified as RS1, which are considered at the highest risk of seismic collapse.
How can I tell if a building in Bucharest is seismically unsafe?
By law, RS1 buildings must display a red dot above the entrance. However, many tourists may not recognize this symbol.
Do Airbnb and Booking.com check for seismic safety?
Currently, these platforms do not require hosts to disclose seismic risk status. Both companies state that it is the responsibility of the property owner to comply with local laws, though they have mechanisms to remove illegal listings when alerted.
What should I do if I am concerned about my accommodation?
If you have already booked, check the building exterior for warning signs or red dots.
Are you planning a trip to Bucharest? Always check local building safety regulations and ensure your accommodation is legally compliant. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
