British holidaymakers exploring Romania's capital, Bucharest, face an undisclosed danger as exclusive data reveals hundreds of illegal tourist accommodations operating within buildings deemed highly vulnerable to earthquakes. An investigation by Romanian seismic risk reduction organisation Re:Rise, shared with The Guardian, uncovered at least 207 such properties listed on popular booking platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com at the end of May 2026. These properties, all located in structures with the highest seismic risk classification, collectively have the capacity to host more than 1,000 visitors each night.
The findings indicate a significant potential risk for unsuspecting tourists, given Bucharest's history of seismic activity. The city is recognised as the most seismically vulnerable capital within the European Union, having experienced two major earthquakes in the last century. The most recent catastrophic event occurred in 1977, resulting in over 1,500 fatalities, more than 10,000 injuries, and the collapse of 32 buildings in less than a minute. Experts warn that another major earthquake is inevitable, with potential damage possibly exceeding past disasters due to the deteriorating structural integrity of much of the city's older building stock.
In response to these concerns, Romania implemented a law in 2024 prohibiting both short- and long-term rentals in buildings designated as RS1 – the highest level of seismic risk. Violations of this regulation carry substantial fines, ranging from €1,000 (approximately £850) to €2,000 (approximately £1,700). Despite these measures, Re:Rise's analysis identified 116 illegal listings on Booking.com, 47 on Airbnb, and 44 properties advertised on both platforms within these high-risk buildings. The true number of such unsafe rentals is likely even higher, as only properties with confirmed addresses were included in the study.
A significant issue highlighted by the investigation is the lack of transparency from booking platforms and property hosts. Neither Airbnb nor Booking.com currently mandates hosts to disclose whether their properties are structurally sound or fall within a seismic risk category. Matei Sumbasacu, a structural engineer and founder of Re:Rise, stated that attempts to alert these platforms to the problem were met with responses indicating it was the responsibility of property owners, not the platforms themselves. Consequently, tourists like Ana Todor, who unknowingly booked stays in RS1 buildings in 2025, expressed feeling misled and now experience anxiety about future visits to the city.
For British travellers planning a trip to Bucharest, it is crucial to be aware of these risks. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises all UK citizens travelling abroad to research their destination thoroughly, including local laws and safety regulations. When booking accommodation, travellers should scrutinise property descriptions and, where possible, verify the building's safety classification. Travel insurance policies may also be affected by undeclared risks, so it's advisable to check policy terms regarding natural disasters and illegal accommodation. Direct flights from major UK airports to Bucharest Otopeni (Henri Coandă International Airport) remain popular, but vigilance regarding accommodation choices is paramount.