Local authority cancels 40% of inactive local accommodation registrations

At the beginning of February, CML concluded the process of verifying the so-called "ghost licenses", becoming the first municipality in the country to finish cleaning up inactive registrations, which began last year.

Since March 2025, owners of local accommodation have been obliged to provide civil liability insurance, and failure to do so will result in the cancellation of the registration by the local councils.

Carlos Moedas, the mayor of Lisbon, said that with this measure it is possible to "regulate and supervise more than ever before in Lisbon, guaranteeing a balance between economic activity and the right to housing". The mayor added that, in recent years, the number of local accommodation units had increased significantly: "We've gone from around 500 Local Accommodation units to approximately 20,000," he said.

The pioneering measure, which will now be followed by around 150 municipalities, was applauded by the head of the national association that represents Local Accommodation: "With collaborative work, it was possible to reduce 40% of licenses, without destroying jobs, without closing the business and without ending anyone's livelihood," Eduardo Miranda stressed.