Paradores in PR's West Seek Stricter Enforcement of Short-Term Rental Laws

Owners of small inns in Puerto Rico's western region have renewed their call for stricter enforcement of laws regulating short-term rentals. Ángel Rodríguez, owner of Parador Boquemar in Boquerón, Cabo Rojo, says the problem is not the lack of regulations, but the failure to enforce them. He warns that unchecked growth in the sector could destabilize the area's traditional hospitality industry.

Local operators argue that the uneven playing field is already visible: licensed hospitality businesses must meet strict operational standards, while many short-term rentals operate as residential properties without fulfilling commercial responsibilities. Rodríguez points to Barcelona as a cautionary example, where the proliferation of tourist apartments has disrupted residential life and local commerce. Spain's government recently announced plans to ban short-term tourist rentals in apartments by 2028 to restore livability for residents.

The parador owner insists that short-term rental businesses should be treated as legitimate businesses, just as hotels and paradores are. He stresses that any public policy on short-term rentals must strike a balance between encouraging new lodging alternatives, protecting residents, and ensuring the long-term stability of Puerto Rico's hotel sector.