The Polish government has split its proposed hotel services and tourism bill into two separate parts, delaying municipal short-term rental zones while prioritizing compliance with a European Union data-sharing regulation.
According to government statements, the initial portion of the legislation focuses strictly on fulfilling the EU regulation on the collection and sharing of data relating to short-term accommodation rental services (STR). This part establishes the Central Register of Tourist Accommodation Facilities (CWTON), which is scheduled to begin operating on May 20. Remaining regulations that lacked internal government consensus, including provisions allowing local authorities to establish zones free from short-term rentals, were moved to a separate legislative track.
Local Government Pushback and Proposed Municipal Licensing Systems
Following the removal of the short-term rental zone provisions from the primary bill, local authorities in large cities facing problems with turystification expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome. In response, the ministry held meetings with local government officials to incorporate their suggestions into upcoming legislative changes.
Under the newly agreed terms, municipalities will gain clearer enforcement tools. If a municipality receives three reports of disturbing the peace within a six-month period that are verified by police or municipal guards, the wójt, burmistrz, or prezydent will have the authority to remove the offending property from the registry. Properties deregistered in this manner cannot reapply for entry for one year. Furthermore, operating without a registry entry—or publishing an advertisement for a deregistered property—will carry fines of up to 50,000 PLN.
Instead of blanket geographic bans, which several municipalities feared would concentrate rental services along zone borders, local leaders indicated a preference for municipal licensing. Under this approach, local governments will independently determine the total number of operational licenses permitted within their jurisdictions.
Constitutional Concerns and the Legislative Debate Over Property Rights
The decision to separate the zoning rules stemmed largely from legal and constitutional concerns raised by the Ministry of Sport and Tourism. Officials consulted opinions from the former Ombudsman, who analyzed existing case law regarding ownership rights.
The ministry feared that heavy restrictions on private property could be deemed unconstitutional, risking a presidential veto that would derail both the rental zones and the registry needed to combat the gray market. Officials noted that the mere announcement of the upcoming registry—built on existing municipal databases—prompted a 70 percent surge in registered tourist apartments in certain municipalities.
Meanwhile, the Left party plans to submit an amendment granting housing cooperatives and residential communities the legal authority to pass internal resolutions banning short-term rentals within the buildings they manage.
Did You Know? Six million Polish families utilized short-term rental services last year, according to official statements, with many relying on these properties as a more affordable alternative to traditional hotels for holiday travel.
Personal Criticism and Defense of Assets
Alongside the legislative debate, the official overseeing the short-term rental portfolio faced public criticism regarding past real estate holdings. Media reports from Wirtualna Polska alleged that the official previously earned income from micro-apartments managed as short-term rentals before selling the properties to a brother just prior to entering government service.
In response, the official stated that all personal assets have been consistently and transparently disclosed in public asset declarations since taking a parliamentary mandate in 2005. The official maintained that the apartments were sold before the start of the current parliamentary term, with the proceeds reinvested into a family home. Stressing that the sole aim of the regulation is to establish transparent rules and eliminate illegal operators, the official dismissed the criticism as politically motivated rather than substantive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Central Register of Tourist Accommodation Facilities scheduled to start?
According to government plans, the registry is scheduled to begin operating on May 20.
What penalties apply for operating a short-term rental without registration?
Unregistered operators and platforms publishing ads for deregistered properties face fines of up to 50,000 PLN.
How many noise complaints are required to remove a property from the registry?
A property may be deregistered if three validated reports of disturbing the peace are filed within a six-month period and confirmed by the police or municipal guard.
How will local authorities manage short-term rentals if geographic zones are not implemented?