Para ordenar al Departamento de Desarrollo Económico y Comercio (DDEC) en coordinación con el Departamento de la Vivienda, el Departamento de Justicia, la Compañía de Turismo de Puerto Rico y los municipios, la realización de un estudio integral sobre el impacto de los alquileres a corto plazo (incluyendo plataformas como Airbnb, VRBO y similares) en las comunidades residenciales de Puerto Rico; evaluar aspectos socioeconómicos, de vivienda asequible, calidad de vida, gentrificación, desplazamiento poblacional y sobrecarga en servicios municipales; y presentar recomendaciones para políticas públicas equilibradas que protejan tanto el desarrollo turístico como los derechos de los residentes, sin incurrir en gastos adicionales significativos al erario; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico orders comprehensive study of short-term rental market impacts on housing, gentrification, and communities to inform balanced regulatory policy recommendations.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida

Legislative bill overview

Bill RCS 134 mandates Puerto Rico's Department of Economic Development and Commerce, in coordination with Housing, Justice, Tourism Company, and municipalities, to conduct a comprehensive study on short-term rental impacts (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) on residential communities. The study must analyze socioeconomic effects, affordable housing, gentrification, population displacement, and municipal service strain, then provide balanced policy recommendations protecting both tourism and resident rights without significant budget increases.

Why is this important

Short-term rental platforms have fundamentally altered housing markets across Caribbean destinations, and Puerto Rico faces particular pressure given its tourism-dependent economy and existing affordable housing crisis. This study addresses a real tension: tourism generates revenue and jobs while potentially pricing out long-term residents and destabilizing neighborhoods. The findings could shape future regulation of a multi-billion-dollar industry affecting thousands of property owners and residents.

Potential points of contention

Scope and objectivity concerns: With Tourism Company included as a coordinating agency, stakeholders may question whether the study can truly balance tourism interests against resident protections, or if tourism development will be prioritized

"No significant budget increases" constraint: A genuinely comprehensive study across multiple municipalities and sectors may require resources the constraint prevents, potentially limiting study quality and recommendations

Implementation accountability: The bill mandates recommendations but doesn't establish enforcement mechanisms or timelines for translating findings into actual policy, potentially resulting in a study without actionable follow-up