Parliamentary petition on residential issues caused by short-term rentals has been granted 15-day extension following system issues

The deadline for a parliamentary petition calling for immediate action on the regulation of short-term rentals has been extended by 15 days. The extension was granted following significant technical issues on the Parliament of Malta’s official petitions website, which prevented any citizens from signing between the 30th July and 12th August.

The petition addresses the untenable situations residents are being forced to endure in localities such as Swieqi, St Julian’s, Sliema, Buġibba, Qawra, Gżira, Marsascala, and Valletta. The problems associated with unregulated short-term letting are also spreading rapidly across all tourist-heavy areas of Malta, eroding the quality of life for residents.

Momentum has been in communication with the Office of the Clerk of the House. We wish to acknowledge and appreciate the prompt responses and swift action taken by the Clerk’s office to investigate and resolve the technical faults.

While we are satisfied that the website issues seem to have been rectified, we remain concerned about their repeated occurrence. Citizens have faced similar technical hurdles with several other important petitions, creating a barrier to democratic participation. We sincerely hope that permanent solutions are implemented to ensure the reliability of this vital civic tool for the future.

We strongly encourage every person who previously tried to sign the petition but failed, to please try again. Your signature is crucial in demonstrating the widespread public demand for sensible regulation and enforcement.

The petition can be accessed and signed via the following link: https://parlament.mt/en/petition?id=272

Momentum Committee Member Carmel Asciak commented on the situation: “Residents have a right to the peaceful enjoyment of their homes and neighbourhoods. The current situation is causing constant disturbance and damaging our communities. This petition is an important democratic tool for citizens to demand that their right to a decent quality of life is protected. The technical faults were disheartening, but now that they are fixed, it is more important than ever for every affected resident to make their voice heard and demand action.”The new deadline for the petition is 6th October, 2025.

There is hope, you can help!

Join Momentum and build a better Malta. Volunteer, donate, or subscribe today!