More Than 500 Short-Let Properties Licensed In Swieqi

A total of 516 properties in Swieqi are currently licensed as short-term rentals, according to figures tabled in Parliament. MP Marilena Gauci asked Tourism Minister Jo Etienne Abela how many licensed short-lets are operating in the locality and how many inspections had been carried out over the past two years.

According to the Minister, Swieqi had 516 licensed short-lets as of the end of August 2026. More than 900 inspections were carried out on this type of property over the past two years, with 112 cases of non-compliance identified and enforcement action taken. The figures come amid growing concerns over the impact of short-term rentals in Swieqi, particularly due to the locality’s proximity to Paceville. Residents and Swieqi Mayor Noel Muscat have repeatedly raised concerns over late-night noise, vandalism, waste and other disturbances linked to some short-let guests, with the mayor describing the issue as a growing problem for what is primarily a residential locality.

In July, authorities also shut down a Swieqi apartment block after eight short-let units were found to be operating in breach of licence conditions following complaints about excessive noise.

Do you think there should be a limit on the number of short-lets in residential areas?

#MaltaDaily