EU tells Brussels region to relax Airbnb rules

The European Commission has given the Brussels region two months to rethink its "restrictive" regulations on Airbnb rentals - or face possible fines.

The Commission says the rules imposed on landlords in the city are "too much" - echoing concerns from Airbnb itself which has described the regulations as "absurdly complex".

Brussels' 7,000 Airbnb providers must submit a range of documents before being allowed to rent out rooms - from the title deeds on the property to insurance papers, a criminal record check, fire safety certificate and floor plan.

The rules also require at least one unopened roll of toilet paper, a cup or glass by the bedside and that every room in the property has a main light switch located next to the door, RTBF reports.

European Commission spokeswoman Lucia Caudet said: "There is no differentiation between big hotels and an individual who occasionally rents a room in his apartment."

She added: "In Paris, there are less restrictive regulations for properties rented for fewer than 120 nights per year, for example."