Yes, there is a national registration requirement for short-term rentals in Aruba. The Aruban government is finalizing legislation that will mandate all property owners who list vacation rentals to obtain a registration number. This regulation is part of a broader effort to ensure fairness and maintain quality standards in the vacation rental market. The upcoming law will also introduce an annual registration or permit fee, and all permit applications will need to be processed digitally. Additionally, a new entity, likely under the revised Department of Inspection and Hygiene, will oversee and supervise vacation rentals, ensuring compliance with hygiene and safety standards

This legislative move aims to create a level playing field for all accommodation providers and to integrate the vacation rental sector more fully into the local economy while ensuring compliance with local regulations and tax obligations.

In Aruba, permission from landlords, local councils, or neighbors for operating short-term rentals can vary based on specific local regulations and the conditions set within any lease agreements. Generally, here are some considerations:

Yes, short-term rental income is taxable in Aruba. Owners who generate income from renting out properties in Aruba are required to comply with local tax regulations.

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Yes, in Aruba, short-term rental operators are subject to specific tourism-related taxes:

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Currently, there is no general requirement for short-term rental (STR) operators in Aruba to register and report guest information to national authorities like immigration or local police.

This means that you are not typically required to provide guest lists or other personal details to the government simply because you are hosting short-term rentals.

In Aruba, vacation rental operators must adhere to the national health and safety standards outlined by the "Aruba Health & Happiness Code." This certification program mandates that all tourism-related businesses, including vacation rentals, comply with stringent health and safety protocols to ensure a safe environment for both guests and employees. The Department of Inspection and Hygiene, under the newly formed AQHA, is tasked with conducting inspections and ensuring compliance with these standards, which cover aspects such as sanitation, emergency readiness, and general safety.

Key aspects of this program include:

Yes, Aruba has established platform accountability requirements for short-term rentals (STRs) to ensure a fair and regulated market among all lodging businesses, including vacation rentals and hotels. The government has emphasized the importance of creating a level playing field, necessitating compliance from platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and

Yes, Aruba has laws in place to combat discrimination, including within the realm of short-term rentals. The Aruba Criminal Code explicitly prohibits discrimination and acts that incite hatred and violence based on several characteristics. These characteristics include sexual orientation and gender identity, although the code likely encompasses other common grounds for discrimination such as race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and sex. This broad legal framework is designed to protect individuals from discriminatory practices in various sectors, including housing and employment

Additionally, the global standard for online platforms like Airbnb reinforces these principles. Airbnb, for example, requires all users to comply with local laws and regulations, including anti-discrimination laws. They have established policies to combat discrimination and provide a more inclusive service

Short-term rental platforms operating in Aruba may be subject to data-sharing mandates with national government authorities, especially concerning tax compliance. The collaboration between the AQHA and the Tax Authorities highlights an integrated approach to compliance, where data exchange is crucial for effective regulation and monitoring of the vacation rental market. This ensures that hosts fulfill their fiscal and operational responsibilities.

While there are no National insurance requirements, Hosts of short-term rentals in Aruba are advised to maintain liability insurance to cover potential damages or liabilities that may occur during a guest's stay. While not explicitly mandated by all regulations, having adequate insurance is considered a best practice and is critical for protecting both the host and the guests. It is also part of broader risk management strategies recommended by property management experts in the region.

Yes, Aruba has established national zoning laws and regulations dedicated to cultural heritage protection. The Planning and Zoning Ordinance, adopted in 2006, along with the subsequent development plan introduced in 2009, set forth clear guidelines for zoning and land use to prevent undesirable building developments and ensure the preservation of culturally significant areas. These regulations are designed to maintain the aesthetic and historical integrity of regions across Aruba while also providing mechanisms for compensation to property owners who might be adversely affected by these regulations

Furthermore, Aruba is also committed to the preservation and management of both national and local monuments through specific legislation. This includes Law No. 2 on National and Local Monuments, which is part of a broader framework aimed at protecting and managing cultural heritage assets. This law supports efforts to safeguard tangible and intangible heritage, ensuring that Aruba's cultural identities are maintained for future generations

These efforts are part of a larger legal framework that encompasses cultural heritage laws, aiming to protect and promote cultural heritage as fundamental to national identity and social cohesion. This includes the legal obligations to identify, protect, and promote cultural heritage within the jurisdiction, complemented by international treaties like those from UNESCO, which Aruba adheres to in order to ensure comprehensive protection of its cultural assets

Environmental regulations affecting short-term rentals in Aruba focus on sustainability practices. These regulations encourage or sometimes require STR properties to implement measures that reduce their environmental impact. This includes waste management, energy use, and water conservation practices, aiming to minimize the ecological footprint of tourism-related activities.

Aruba's approach to tenant protection in the context of short-term rentals is designed to balance the needs of local residents with the benefits of tourism. While specific laws protecting long-term tenants from eviction solely for the conversion to short-term rentals were not detailed in the sources, general housing laws provide protections against unfair eviction practices. These laws ensure that residents are not unduly displaced by the lucrative short-term rental market

Here are some key aspects of tenant protection in Aruba:

In Aruba,

While there are no explicit platform accountability requirements in place yet, the upcoming regulations in Aruba suggest a move towards greater platform involvement in ensuring compliance. It's likely that platforms will be expected to verify listings, potentially handle tax collection, and possibly share data with authorities in the future.

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Aruba enforces consumer protection laws that ensure short-term rental agreements meet fair trading standards. These laws protect consumers by ensuring that STR listings are described accurately and that all charges and fees are transparent. This includes clear communication of cancellation policies, security deposit requirements, and any additional fees. Consumer protection in the STR sector is crucial for maintaining trust and fairness in the tourism industry

The core regulations for operating STRs in Aruba apply equally to resident and non-resident owners. However, non-residents have additional considerations related to tax filing, potential tax implications in their home country, immigration regulations, and property management. These owners must ensure that their properties comply with local zoning laws, health and safety standards, and tax obligations. Non-compliance can result in fines, legal action, and potential restrictions on rental activity

Aruba does not have a stringent classification system for short-term rentals as of the latest updates. However, the focus has been on ensuring that all forms of accommodations, the Aruban government is in the process of finalizing its first comprehensive regulation law for vacation rentals. This new legislation aims to create a more level playing field among lodging providers by introducing a mandatory registration system for all vacation rentals, implementing an annual registration fee, and establishing hygiene and safety standards. whether vacation homes or hotels, meet certain standards and regulations to maintain quality and fairness in the tourism sector. This approach helps maintain a balanced and competitive market, catering effectively to the diverse needs of international visitors.

While specific regulations pertaining to national events or holidays affecting short-term rentals in Aruba were not explicitly mentioned, it is common for jurisdictions to impose additional regulations during significant events. These can include stricter noise regulations, security measures, and temporary restrictions on rental durations to manage increased demand and ensure public safety

Yes, there are penalties for violating national rules regarding short-term rentals in Aruba. These violations primarily relate to non-compliance with registration, tax, and safety regulations newly established or being finalized for the vacation rental market. While specific penalty amounts are not detailed, the regulations are aimed at ensuring fair competition among lodging providers and adherence to tax and safety standards.

The Aruba Quality & Hospitality Authority (AQHA) will oversee the registration and licensing of vacation rentals, ensuring compliance with hygiene and safety standards. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to financial penalties, and continuous violations might further lead to more severe consequences, including potential legal actions to enforce the regulations, According to Grant Thornton Aruba, failure to notify the Tax Authorities could result in a fine equivalent to 100% of the ground tax due. While this refers to ground tax, it illustrates the potential severity of tax-related penalties.

For operators of short-term rentals, it's crucial to comply with these regulations to avoid fines and to ensure the legality of their rental operations. If you need more specific information on penalty amounts or how they are applied, it might be beneficial to consult directly with local authorities or a legal advisor knowledgeable in Aruban property law.