Mexican Authorities Are Cracking Down On Illegal Airbnbs In Cancun

Unregulated Airbnb Owners in Cancun Will Be Sanctioned, Authorities Say

Airbnb owners in Cancun will no longer be able to hide from authorities since a tracking and surveillance system has been acquired to identify spaces that are offered on the platform.

The municipal president of Benito Juárez, Ana Paty Peralta, explained that the first step for the properties to operate is to regularize themselves to offer security to tourists.

Regularization consists of a registry in which the Benito Juárez City Council grants a special permit for this type of business. It is estimated that there are close to 14 thousand units in Cancun that are rented out for tourist purposes.

If the landlords refuse to regularize, sanctions will be applied.

“We already have a system to monitor who does or does not own a vacation property,” said the mayor.

“We have this system that allows us to track down properties that are advertised on different digital platforms because it’s not just Airbnb,” she added.

Although Ana Paty Peralta has not announced what sanctions will be imposed in case of refusing regularization, her administration is already considering what they could be.

At the moment, it is estimated that US 5,872,335 could be collected in taxes from the 14 thousand units for rent. This money could be invested in projects that will benefit Cancun people.

Tourists are increasingly choosing Airbnb accommodations for their stays in Cancun.

This shift is attributed to several factors, including the desire for a more authentic, personalized experience and the flexibility and privacy offered by such rentals.

Additionally, Airbnb often provides a more cost-effective alternative to traditional hotels, especially for longer stays or larger groups. The wide variety of options available, from luxury villas to cozy apartments, also caters to a broader range of preferences and budgets.