In an exclusive report, data has revealed that more than 200 illegal holiday properties are being rented out to tourists in Bucharest, despite these buildings being classified at the highest level of seismic risk. Analysis conducted by Re:Rise, a Romanian organization dedicated to seismic risk reduction, identified at least 207 such illegal listings across Airbnb and Booking.com as of the end of May. These properties have a combined capacity to host more than 1,000 visitors every night.
The data shows that 116 of these listings were on Booking.com, 47 were on Airbnb, and 44 were advertised on both platforms. All these units are located in buildings designated as RS1, meaning they are considered so seismically vulnerable that they could collapse during a major earthquake. In 2024, Romania outlawed both short- and long-term rentals in RS1 buildings to improve public safety. Currently, the capital has at least 404 such buildings where any form of renting is illegal, with violations punishable by fines ranging from €1,000 to €2,000. Experts believe the actual number of unsafe properties is likely higher, as only a fraction of the city's housing stock has undergone formal risk assessment.
Bucharest is recognized as the most seismically vulnerable capital in the EU. A major earthquake in 1977 killed more than 1,500 people, injured over 10,000, and destroyed 32 buildings in less than a minute. Experts warn that another major quake is inevitable and could cause even greater damage, as much of the city's infrastructure has become structurally unsound. A 2022 assessment by the Bucharest City Committee for Emergency Situations estimated that a major tremor could severely damage 23,000 buildings, kill approximately 6,500 people, and leave 16,000 others seriously injured.
Despite these risks, neither Airbnb nor Booking.com requires hosts to disclose if their properties are structurally sound. Matei Sumbasacu, a structural engineer and founder of Re:Rise, stated that they attempted to alert the platforms, but were told it is the responsibility of the owners. Ana Todor, who booked two Airbnb stays in RS1 buildings in 2025, said she felt the owners and platforms were “counting” on the fact that guests would not scrutinize the rules and regulations too closely. “But when I got there, the building looked terrible from the outside and didn’t give me a good feeling,” Todor said. “Descriptions that downplay the danger are a Hello Kitty plaster on a deep crack.”
By law, RS1 buildings must display a red dot above the entrance with a notice in Romanian, which is often invisible to foreign visitors. To combat this, Re:Rise volunteers have begun placing stickers on key lockboxes outside these buildings, featuring QR codes that link to information about the seismic risk. Sumbasacu criticized the city hall for failing to take responsibility, while city hall officials stated that local police conduct inspections only upon complaint and that they notified the ministry of tourism in January to incorporate the rental ban into authorization processes. They added that approximately 3,000 notifications were sent to owners of RS1 buildings.
A spokesperson for Airbnb stated that safety is a priority and they are investigating the information to take appropriate action. A Booking.com spokesperson noted that their accommodation partners must ensure they are acting in accordance with local laws and that there is a process for authorities to report listings of concern.
