Mexico City’s Congress has approved a reform to the Tourism and Housing Law imposing a limit of 180 days per year on real estate rentals through apps and online platforms such as Airbnb.

The reform is part of several recent initiatives to promote balance in the temporary rental market, curb gentrification and support the hotel industry in the capital. The initiative, presented by interim mayor Martí Batres, also prohibits government-built social housing from being rented to tourists via online rental platforms.

Opposing legislators voted against the reform, arguing that it violates the individual freedom and rights of property owners. However, Deputy César Emilio Guijosa, a member of the ruling Morena party, defended the measure arguing that the growth of digital tourism has generated problems such as gentrification, as some neighbourhoods have seen real estate prices rise upon becoming saturated by housing destined exclusively for tourists.

Morena insists the transformation — largely caused by the post-pandemic increase in “digital nomads” — has negatively affected local residents and unfairly impacted the traditional hotel industry.