Short-term rentals (STRs), locally referred to as "alquileres a corto plazo," are legal in Utuado Municipality, Puerto Rico; however, they face growing scrutiny and regulatory discussions amid rising housing costs and displacement of residents. Over the past few years, the region has seen an influx of STRs, particularly in the form of rural cabins and apartments, largely driven by an increase in tourism and interest from investors following Hurricane Maria in 2017. Utuado's short-term rental market is predominantly tourist-oriented, catering to travelers seeking an escape into the island’s scenic mountainous terrain, away from the more commercialized areas. Local authorities are currently considering stricter regulations and a public registry for STRs to address the social and economic impacts, including proposals to increase the room tax and improve affordable housing. The Puerto Rico Department of Housing is the main regulatory body overseeing this sector, with discussions ongoing about the balance between economic benefits from tourism and the needs of local communities. For more information, visit the official Puerto Rico Department of Housing website at.