IN-PERSON Lisbon Livable Cities. Section A

Abstract

This research presents the legislative processes and popular participation involved in regulating short-term rentals (locally known as “alojamentos locais”) in Lisbon. Its objective is to identify the actors involved in developing the regulations, the forms of community participation in producing these rules, and how community suggestions are incorporated into the regulations. The research is based on document analysis and uses a qualitative approach. In recent years, an intensive use of platforms such as Airbnb offers properties for short-term rental. In 2018, Lisbon suspended the authorization of new short-term rental registrations and created containment zones in five historic neighborhoods. A public consultation period took place between May and July of 2019 but only received 40 contributions. More recently, in November 2024, the Lisbon City Council suspended all new short-term rental registrations throughout the city, arguing the need to control the growth of such rentals while preparing a new regulation. According to information from the City Council, there are currently over 19,000 registered units, representing approximately 7.5% of the city’s housing stock. A referendum was also approved, requested by the “Referendum for Housing” Movement, which gathered more than 11,000 signatures. With the referendum approved by the City Council, the Constitutional Court must now approve the ballot questions. If approved, the referendum could take place in 2025 and would be the first vote in Lisbon initiated by popular demand. The case of Lisbon is paradigmatic and may serve as a reference for other cities around the world.