Airbnb, Booking hosts’ rental rules in Brussels need court approval, ECJ rules
By Júlia Tar ( October 22, 2026, 10:29 GMT | Insight) -- Hosts using Airbnb, Booking.com and other short-term rental platforms can be required to obtain authorization in Brussels under certain circumstances, the EU’s highest court ruled on Thursday. The Brussels Court of Appeal must now decide whether the rules are justified and protect applicants’ rights before ruling on rental operator Smartflats’ challenge.Hosts using Airbnb, Booking.com and other short-term accommodation rental platforms in Brussels can be required to obtain authorization, but Belgian judges must check that requirements don't go further than necessary to protect tourists and housing, the EU’s highest court ruled on Thursday....
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