Hundreds of Airbnb hosts in Brussels are facing unexpected fines after the regional tax authorities accused them of failing to register their accommodations and pay tourist taxes.
Over 2,000 hosts received letters this summer detailing penalties for two offences — not registering their property with the Brussels tax authorities and not paying the required tourist tax. Many hosts say they were completely unaware of these obligations.
“Getting a €1,000 fine out of the blue feels very unfair,” said Aline, 37, who rents out her spare room on Airbnb twice a month. “I didn’t know I had to inform the authorities. I wasn’t trying to dodge taxes.”
The fines stem from a long legal battle between Brussels Fiscality and Airbnb. After initially refusing to share host data, Airbnb was ordered by the European Court of Justice in 2022 to provide information on operators active in Brussels. That data has now led to enforcement action.
Hosts are being fined €1,000 per unregistered room, plus retroactive tourist taxes of €3–€4 per night. Because authorities lacked actual booking data, they assumed 365 days of occupancy per year. However, hosts were allowed to submit evidence — such as Airbnb screenshots — to prove lower occupancy rates.
According to Brussels Fiscality, 1,839 fines were issued in 2022, totaling €2.6 million. Nearly 900 hosts have already appealed, arguing they acted in good faith and were unaware of the rules.
Many say the fines are excessive compared to their modest earnings. “I charge €55 per night, but after fees and cleaning costs, I barely break even,” said one host. “This isn’t a business for me.”
Airbnb, in a statement, defended its hosts and blamed the region’s outdated framework, calling the rules “complex and unclear.” The company said it informs hosts about compliance requirements but added that Brussels policymakers have failed to simplify the system since its introduction in 2014.
To legally rent out rooms or properties in Brussels, hosts must register with the Brussels Economy and Employment agency and obtain an urban development certificate allowing tourist use. However, the process is lengthy and bureaucratic, discouraging many from completing it.
Despite the recent enforcement, few new registrations have been filed. Between July and September, only 39 applications were submitted, far below the 6,100 active listings recorded on tourism platforms last year.
The authorities have since published FAQs and reminders urging hosts to register and declare monthly occupancy rates. Still, with hundreds of appeals pending, the total amount the region will recover remains uncertain.
