Puerto Rico Sen. Brenda Pérez-Soto has introduced Senate Bill 1381, which would create the Pool Safety for Short-Term Supplemental Accommodations Act. The measure targets short-term rental properties—those rented for fewer than 90 days and classified as short-term supplemental accommodations—that offer swimming pools to guests.
It would require such properties to meet minimum safety standards set by the Puerto Rico Tourism Co., which regulates this lodging category, including installing and maintaining a safety fence around the pool perimeter designed to prevent direct access to the pool area. The bill's statement of motives notes that short-term rentals, expanded through digital platforms, have become a widely used lodging option and have contributed to economic development and diversified travel options across Puerto Rico. However, it argues that because these properties host paying guests, they differ from private residences and should be held to minimum safety standards protecting guests' life, health and safety.
The bill cites the recent death of a minor following an incident at a short-term rental's swimming pool as the impetus for the legislation, noting that investigations are ongoing but the case highlighted the need for preventive safety measures, especially for families traveling with children. The Tourism Co. would be tasked with establishing implementing regulations.