Knowledge base

The holiday rental registration number: Why manual administration will no longer suffice in 2026

Discover why manual administration of registration numbers will no longer suffice in 2026 and how a modern PMS helps you comply with new EU legislation.

A registration number is a unique identification code that short-term rental hosts are required to apply for and display in their listings to comply with local and European regulations. Since the entry into force of the European Regulation on short-term rental services on 20 May 2026, the management of these numbers is no longer an optional administrative task, but a strict legal requirement for online visibility.

As a property owner or manager, it is essential to understand that the days of manual Excel spreadsheets are well and truly over. With increasing legal pressure from the EU and national authorities, such as the amendment of the Tourist Rental Act, the risk of errors in manual processing has simply become too great. My name is Peter, Sales Director and owner of FLOR-IT and EDICE - PMS. From our daily practice developing EDICE - PMS, I see how accommodation managers struggle with this new reality. This article helps you make the transition to a system that streamlines your administration and relieves your legal burden.

What it means in practice

In practice, the registration requirement means that every listing on platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com or Vrbo must include a valid registration number. Imagine this: you manage a B&B in a region where the municipality has introduced a mandatory registration requirement. Previously, you tracked this in an Excel file. However, as of May 2026, you are obliged to not only display this number but also link it to your booking data. If you do this manually, you run the risk of a number expiring, not being correctly copied into a new listing, or forgetting to provide the number to a new channel. When a platform such as Booking.com or Airbnb detects a listing without a valid number, it is automatically deactivated. This means immediate revenue loss and a massive administrative burden to correct the error.

Why it matters for your bookings and revenue

The EU regulation on short-term rentals was not introduced without reason. The goal is transparency and the protection of the housing market. For you as an entrepreneur, this means that enforcement has been tightened. According to the House of Representatives, the amendment to the Tourist Rental Act has been adopted to further tighten enforcement of registration requirements. If you do not comply, you risk not only the removal of your listings but also significant fines. Moreover, platforms now share data with the government on a monthly basis. Errors in your administration will therefore be noticed immediately by the authorities. An automated system prevents you from making unintentional mistakes.

How EDICE - PMS helps with this

EDICE - PMS is designed to take this administrative burden off your shoulders. As an all-in-one property management system, it provides a central hub for your calendar, guests, invoicing, and channel management. Our channel manager with 60+ connections not only synchronises prices and availability but also ensures that your registration data is consistently communicated to all connected channels. With the PMS dashboard, you have direct insight into your occupancy and can easily check whether your registration numbers are correctly linked to your bookings. Because the system automatically processes guest data and payments, you no longer have to manually switch between different tools. This saves time and minimises the risk of human error.

Feature	Manual administration (Excel/Paper)	Automated EDICE - PMS
Registration number management	Manual entry per channel	Central management and automatic synchronisation
Error susceptibility	High (risk of fines/deactivation)	Low (system control)
Data exchange	Manual (time-consuming)	Real-time via API connections
Overview	Fragmented	Central dashboard

Common mistakes

The most common mistake is underestimating platform responsibility. Many managers think they are responsible for manually providing updates to each platform individually. However, in 2026, platforms are legally obliged to remove listings without a valid number. Another mistake is not updating the registration number in time when there are changes in the permit or business structure. Forgetting the link between your own booking widget and the official registration is also a risk. By relying on a PMS (Property Management System), you ensure that you are always up to date.

Does this also work in your region?

The regulations regarding registration numbers vary by municipality and region. Whether you are active in PMS for accommodations in the Netherlands, in PMS for accommodations in Zeeland, on the PMS for accommodations in the Veluwe or in PMS for accommodations in Limburg, the basis of the EU regulation remains the same. It is crucial to consult the specific regulations of your municipality, as they may impose additional requirements regarding night limits or permit obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I also need to display my registration number on my own website?

Yes, the requirement applies to all listings, including those on your own website. With the EDICE - PMS booking widget, you can set this up easily.

What happens if I do not provide my registration number to platforms?

Platforms are legally obliged to remove listings without a valid registration number. This leads to immediate loss of bookings.

Is a PMS only for large hotels?

No, EDICE - PMS is suitable for hotels, campsites, B&Bs, resorts, tiny houses, and hostels. The system is scalable and helps every accommodation manager to comply with legislation.

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See EDICE - PMS in action

Do you want to know how EDICE - PMS can automate your administration and help you comply with 2026 legislation? View our features, schedule a demo or start immediately with a free trial.