Switzerland: Passed Initiative Prohibiting Commercial Long-Term Airbnb Rentals

On 12 March 2023, the initiative "Protect Living Space - Regulate Airbnb" brought forward by the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland (SP) in the city of Lucerne was passed by popular vote (64.3%). The initiative aims to restrict Airbnb rentals in the city of Lucerne. The initiative will require temporary rentals of accommodation to be limited to 90 days per year. The initiative mainly restricts commercial listings, and will not affect sublettings or single rooms rented out by private persons. A counter-proposal which would have required landlords to obtain a licence, subject to a maximum quota, in order to issue temporary rentals in excess of 90 days per year was rejected by voters.