Owners of small inns (paradores) in Puerto Rico’s western region renewed their call for the government to tighten enforcement of laws regulating short-term rentals, warning that unchecked growth in the sector is beginning to destabilize the area’s traditional hospitality industry. Ángel Rodríguez, owner of Parador Boquemar in Boquerón, Cabo Rojo, said the problem is no longer the absence of regulation but the lack of oversight.
As is required of a hotel, the same should be required of what they call 'Airbnb.'
"We know there are laws and regulations meant to control short-term rentals. However, the main issue is that they are not being validated," he said. He noted that the rapid expansion of unregulated rentals could "get out of control" and undermine hotels and paradores that comply with permits, tax obligations, safety requirements and other rules.
Local operators argue 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 pointed to Barcelona as a cautionary example, where the proliferation of tourist apartments has become a "plague," he said, disrupting residential life and local commerce.
Spain’s government recently announced it will ban short-term tourist rentals in apartments by 2028. Rodríguez stressed he is not opposed to the short-term rental model itself but insists it be treated as a business: "As is required of a hotel, the same should be required of what they call 'Airbnb.'" He said any public policy must balance encouraging new lodging alternatives, protecting residents and ensuring the long-term stability of Puerto Rico’s hotel sector.