Lisbon Municipal Assembly Approves Local Referendum on Short-Term Rentals: What You Need to Know

Lisbon's Local Referendum on Short-Term Rentals Approved

The Lisbon Municipal Assembly has taken a significant step by approving the submission of a popular initiative for a local referendum regarding short-term rentals in the city. This initiative aims to halt the activity and grant no new licenses for short-term rentals in residential buildings.

The decision was supported by members from PS, Bloco de Esquerda, PEV, PAN, and independent deputies from Cidadãos por Lisboa. In contrast, votes against the initiative came from PSD, CDS-PP, Iniciativa Liberal, PPM, Aliança, Chega, and an independent deputy, while PCP and MPT abstained from voting.

During the session, municipal deputies discussed a report from the temporary committee, which evaluated the popular initiative for the local referendum on short-term rentals. The committee recommended that the initiative be converted into a proposal for consideration by the plenary session of the Municipal Assembly.

This popular initiative, led by the Movement for Housing Referendum (MRH), poses two critical questions: 1. Do you agree to modify the Municipal Regulation on Short-Term Rentals to mandate the cancellation of registered short-term rentals in properties designated for housing within 180 days? 2. Do you agree to amend the Municipal Regulation to prohibit short-term rentals in properties intended for residential use?

The Municipal Assembly will forward the resolution for the referendum to the Constitutional Court, which will determine whether the public consultation can proceed.