Marrakech Launches Crackdown on Unregulated Vacation Rentals

The proliferation of furnished apartments, particularly those rented through online booking platforms, is a major concern for the security services due to the problems arising from them, said the Wali of the Marrakech security, in an interview with the daily Assabah. The reason is that illicit practices and activities, jeopardizing security and public order, and leading to crimes have been recorded in furnished apartments, because "the various reservations made electronically escape the knowledge of the security and territorial authorities".

In light of these findings, a joint commission has been set up to control furnished apartments, said the Wali of security. Owners and managers of these dwellings are now required to demand the completion of a registration form for the occupants and to comply with the registration procedures for arrivals and departures, in accordance with the rules applied in hotels. This data must then be transmitted to the security services or the territorial administration. The latter will be responsible for communicating the information collected to the law enforcement agencies to ensure effective monitoring, maintain the situation under control and facilitate the arrest of wanted delinquents and criminals.

Is the proliferation of furnished apartments linked to prostitution? The Wali of the Marrakech security answers in the negative. The recorded cases remain isolated and that immediate interventions are carried out to apprehend the individuals involved and bring them before the courts, he specified, stressing that crimes related to prostitution have multiplied due to the existence of websites and Facebook pages encouraging sex tourism.