Sixth district prohibits short-term rentals

Budapest’s 6th district of Terézváros (Terezín) passed a groundbreaking ordinance on Thursday. From 1 January 2026, the short-term rental of flats will be banned throughout the district. The decision is based on a referendum in which the residents sent a clear signal. For the citizens of Terézváros, peace and quiet is more important than the loss of revenue from the district budget. They also want the district to regain its residential character.

Relatively high voter turnout

With a turnout of 20.5% and 6,083 votes cast, interest in the so-called Airbnb vote was exceptionally high. In comparison, the turnout for the so-called Budapest ‘residents’ assembly’ was only 9%. The district thus joins the list of European metropolises such as Lisbon, Amsterdam, Berlin, Rome, London and Barcelona, which have already introduced similar regulations. In Hungary, Terézváros is the only municipality that has dared to use its powers to alleviate the housing crisis for its own residents and against the interests of the market.

Transitional period until 2026

District Mayor Tamás Soproni (Momentum) emphasises the importance of the transition period until it comes into force on 1 January 2026 so that businesses can adapt to the new situation. He describes the recently presented government plans as inadequate, as they would not effectively address conflicting objectives or the black market for accommodation. Tax increases would not act as a deterrent if the market potential was known.