The Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism (MEDAT) is preparing to implement a new regulatory framework for the short-term rental of apartments and rooms for tourism purposes. The measure, announced by Alin Grigore, Director General of the General Directorate of Tourism, aims to align with European standards by assigning a unique identification number to each unit, which will be mandatory for listing on specialized platforms.
According to statements made during a press conference in Eforie Nord, the new mechanism will condition the presence on rental platforms on holding this unique number. Alin Grigore specified that, based on European regulations, Romania is obliged to create, alongside other member states, a single digital point. Through this, platforms will be able to access the necessary data, ensuring efficient communication and transparency in the accommodation unit market. The implementation of these European requirements is scheduled for the immediate future.
The MEDAT official emphasized that the legislative process also considers simplifying authorization procedures. Currently, the regime applied to rental apartments and rooms is similar to that of hotels and guesthouses, creating a bureaucratic process considered excessive. In parallel with legislative changes, employees of the Control Directorate are conducting field checks, either through self-notification or as a result of complaints received from citizens via petitions, letters, or emails.
These measures are part of the preparations for the summer season on the Romanian Coast, initiated as early as February by MEDAT in partnership with the Federation of Romanian Tourism Employers (FPTR), under the initiative “Year of Quality in Tourism.” Although an infotrip was organized to visit recent investments and hotel units, a scheduled meeting with local authorities, control institutions, and economic operators was canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the unique identification number for short-term rentals?
It is a mandatory registration code assigned to each tourist apartment or room, which must be displayed to list the property on digital booking platforms in accordance with EU regulations.
Why is MEDAT changing the regulations for tourist apartments?
The goal is to align Romanian legislation with European standards, ensure market transparency through a single digital point, and simplify the current bureaucratic licensing process.
How will the new regulations impact existing rental listings?
Property owners will be required to obtain a unique ID to remain active on booking platforms, while also benefiting from simplified authorization procedures compared to the hotel-style requirements used previously.