Inspectors on the Hunt for Illegal Renters: €343,000 Seized, Fines Up to €4,000
1,441 inspections conducted in three months, irregularities found in 122 cases across Croatia. Foreign nationals among the offenders.
1,441 inspections conducted in three months, irregularities found in 122 cases across Croatia. Foreign nationals among the offenders.
Intensified inspections by the tourism inspectorate targeting illegal renting have resulted in the seizure of over €343,000 in unlawfully gained earnings. Over a three-month period, from April 20 to July 20, 2026, the State Inspectorate conducted a total of 1,441 inspections and uncovered irregularities in 122 cases.
Inspectors discovered irregularities across the country, from Zagreb, Samobor, Bjelovar, Karlovac, Sisak, and Nova Gradiška on the mainland, to Pula, Crikvenica, Dubrovnik, Split, Makarska, Supetar, Vodice, Primošten, Kaštel Lukšić, and Vir on the coast. Control activities were also carried out on the islands of Krk, Rab, and Pag, as well as in numerous smaller tourist destinations.
The operation focused on providing accommodation without the necessary permits and advertising unregistered properties on online platforms. Data from the Tax Administration, reports from tourist boards, and information from accommodation booking platforms were used to select properties for inspection.
Sixty-eight administrative prohibition measures were issued for unregistered renting or illegal advertising. In 36 instances, inspection teams issued decisions prohibiting the provision of services in private properties and ordered the closure of these properties, with the ban remaining in effect for at least 30 days, or until the irregularities are rectified and approval from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is obtained.
These measures covered seven holiday homes, one hostel, 36 apartments, one campsite, and two rooms. Restrictions were also imposed on licensed hospitality providers who offered accommodation without the required permit, including one boutique hotel, 13 apartments, 24 rooms, a campsite with four mobile homes and six glamping tents, and another campsite with 20 mobile homes.
Among those providing accommodation "on the black market" were not only Croatian citizens. Inspectors also discovered nationals of Slovenia, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany who were illegally renting properties in Croatia.
Sixty-two misdemeanor charges were filed against offenders, and 60 misdemeanor orders were issued. Total fines reached €81,169.08, while unlawfully gained property benefits were determined and seized in the amount of €343,812. An individual engaged in unregistered activity or lacking the necessary legal permits faces a fine ranging from €1,327.23 to €3,981.68, and in addition to the fine, the property benefit gained through the offense is also confiscated.
The State Inspectorate emphasizes that the aim is to combat the gray economy, protect renters who operate in compliance with regulations, and ensure equal market conditions. Intensified inspections will continue until the end of the tourist season.
