All Airbnbs & Short-Let Properties In Malta Must Have Air Conditioning Under New Rules

Short term rental operators in Malta will face stricter obligations under the new Tourism Accommodation Regulations 2026, with enforcement significantly tightened.

Among the most notable changes, all Airbnb-style properties must now:

Display a sign outside the entrance showing licence details;
Provide a 24/7 contact person for complaints;
Submit a waste management plan;
Notify block administrators if located in shared residential buildings.

Failure to comply carries serious consequences. Operators found renting without a valid licence risk a three year disqualification, in addition to other penalties.

The regulations also introduce stricter standards within properties, including:

A maximum of two persons per bedroom;
A cap of 10 persons in shared access buildings;
A ban on underground bedrooms and sofa beds;
Mandatory air conditioning and high quality finishes.

Authorities say these changes aim to address long standing concerns from residents, particularly around noise, waste and overcrowding.

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