In a bid to reclaim residential spaces in Madrid's historic center, the city has intensified efforts to eliminate illegal tourist rentals.

The iconic Ave Fénix building, once plagued by unauthorized short-term rentals, has become a symbol of this struggle.

Residents, including professionals like lawyers and doctors, united to combat the influx of tourists that disrupted their community.

They implemented strict measures, such as fingerprint access systems, to control entry and ensure compliance with residential use laws.

Meanwhile, the Madrid City Council has pledged to concentrate tourist accommodations in designated buildings, aiming to restore the residential character of the area.

This initiative is part of a broader plan to convert non-residential structures into affordable housing, addressing the soaring property prices in the city center.