Three Taiwanese cities fined for illegal STR listings

Taiwan: Taipei, New Taipei City and Tainan were fined more than $200,000 each for illegal holiday accommodations in Q1 2026.

Authorities found 860 illegal short-term rentals, making up the bulk of 1,174 total unregistered vacation properties. Taiwan’s Tourism Administration said the rise was driven by more urban STRs and an increase in local inspections.

Taipei accounted for almost half of illegal listings, at 410. Taichung and Kaohsiung followed with 187 and 113, respectively.

Taipei also topped the list in terms of total fines, at 74, with Taichung (40) and Tainan (21) behind. Despite 53 less fines, Tainan issued $234,000, besting Taipei by just about $2,000. Fines nationwide surpassed $1 million.

Highlights:

• Taipei, New Taipei City and Tainan were fined over $200,000 each in Q1 2026 for operating illegal short-term rentals.
• Authorities identified 860 illegal STRs across the three cities, with Taipei accounting for nearly half (410) of all unregistered properties.
• Nationwide fines exceeded $1 million, with Tainan issuing the highest value despite fewer fines than Taipei.