Attention Airbnb Hosts: The RETUR-Q Law Changes the Rules in Quintana Roo!

Don't invest in a vacation rental property in Playa del Carmen or Tulum without reading this blog first!

Did you know that there has been a recent reform to the Quintana Roo State Tourism Law? And it has a direct impact on the tourism sector and vacation rentals. If you are an Airbnb host or a vacation rental owner, this information is for you!

New Airbnb law in Quintana Roo

What is the new RETUR-Q law and why does it affect you?

The new legislation, known as the reform to the Quintana Roo Tourism Law, has the main objective of regulating and formalizing tourist accommodations in the state. Its central point is the mandatory registration in the Quintana Roo State Tourism Registry (RETUR-Q).

Key points of the RETUR-Q Law that you should know

• Mandatory Registration: All tourism service providers, including vacation rental accommodations and digital platforms like Airbnb, must register with the RETUR-Q. This allows the government to control the accommodation offering, ensuring that all accommodations meet quality and safety standards.

• Tourist Safety: The law seeks to protect travelers and tourists from scams, requiring hosts and hotels to have basic safety measures such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and Civil Protection approval. This leads to safer tourism in destinations such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

• Regulation of Digital Platforms: Vacation rental platforms are now required to verify that hosts offering properties on their sites are registered with the RETUR-Q (Taxpayer Registry).

• Penalties: If a tourist accommodation is not registered, it can face significant fines. Therefore, it is crucial that hosts and owners ensure they comply with the regulations to avoid penalties.

Impact of the RETUR-Q Law on Tourism in Quintana Roo

This law seeks to formalize vacation rentals in Quintana Roo, ensuring quality and safety in services. By regulating Airbnb hosts and other platforms, the state seeks to maintain its status as a world-class tourist destination, offering a safe and reliable experience for visitors. If you own a vacation rental property in the Riviera Maya, make sure it's registered. This not only protects you from fines but also builds trust with future guests.

To register with the Quintana Roo State Tourism Registry (RETUR-Q), it's important to follow the steps and submit the documentation required by the state Ministry of Tourism (SEDETUR). The process seeks to formalize all tourism service providers, including vacation rental hosts.

New law RETUR-Q in Quintana Roo

General steps for registration:

1- Access the official portal: The first step is to access the SEDETUR online platform, specifically the SITUR-Q website. This is where the registration process takes place.

2- Creating a User: You must register a new username and password. You may be asked for an email address and contact information to follow up on the process.

3- Complete the application: Once you are logged in, you must complete the application with your general information, including:

• Business name and company name.

• The type of business you operate (in this case, tourist accommodation or vacation rental hosting).

• Establishment address.

• Contact information.

4- Gather and attach documents: This is one of the most important steps. The system will ask you to upload several documents in PDF format. It is essential that they are legible and current. Common requirements include:

• Official identification (INE, passport) of the owner or legal representative.

• Proof of Tax Status (RFC) valid for no more than three months. If you do not have an RFC, click here to obtain one as a foreigner.

• Proof of address for the establishment (electricity, water, telephone, property tax bill) valid for no more than three months.

• Public deed of the property or, where applicable, a lease or loan agreement proving legal ownership.

• State Operating License issued by the Quintana Roo Tax Administration Service (SAT-Q). This is a key requirement for legal operations.

• Civil Protection Documentation: Proof of having safety measures such as fire extinguishers, a first aid kit, and visible emergency numbers is required.

5-Review and Validation: Once you have submitted your application and attached the documents, SEDETUR staff will review the information. If everything is correct, you will receive an approval notification. If there are any comments or additional information is required, you will be notified through the platform.

6- Download the Certificate: Once your application is approved, you can download your RETUR-Q Registration Certificate. This document certifies that you are legally registered.

Downloading the Certificate: Once your application is approved, you can download your RETUR-Q Registration Certificate. This document certifies that you are legally registered and is essential for operating.

Important:

• Registration is free, mandatory, and must be renewed annually

• It is crucial that the information you declare on the RETUR-Q matches that on your State Operating License from the SAT-Q. If you don't have one, you must complete this procedure before attempting to register for the RETUR-Q.

• For any questions, SEDETUR usually provides contact numbers and email addresses for assistance. It is also advisable to review the annual call they publish, as there may be updates to the requirements.

SAT-Q for business owners in Quintana Roo

IN SUMMARY

Taxes are inevitable.

Without an RFC, Airbnb withholds 20% of income tax, BUT with an RFC, the withholding is reduced to 4%, a significant difference.

Add to this the 6% ISH lodging tax and 16% VAT, and regulatory compliance is essential.

Obtaining a license is now part of the cost of operating.

The SATQ requires proof of ownership (or legal possession through a trust if you're a foreigner), property registry information, and compliance with safety regulations (fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, emergency lighting, etc.).

In addition, municipal presidents have new powers. In Playa del Carmen, local authorities can decide how strictly digital platforms are allowed to operate. This makes regulatory compliance even more important, as if enforcement intensifies, unlicensed operators will be the first to be targeted.

The risk of doing nothing is enormous. If you continue renting without registering:

You could face fines of tens of thousands of pesos. Authorities can issue a closure order for your property. Airbnb or Booking.com can suspend your listings, and worse yet, SATQ can demand back taxes with fines!

For non-resident owners, these changes can be overwhelming, but they're manageable if you act now:

1. Register with RETUR-Q.

2. Apply for your operating license through SATQ.

3. Obtain an RFC (Registered Taxpayer Identification Number) to reduce tax withholding. You must first have a CURP (Currency Register).

4. Make sure your property complies with safety and zoning requirements.

The era of informal and clandestine Airbnb rentals in Tulum and Playa del Carmen is coming to an end. Professional compliance is the only way forward.

The doors are closing for some, but this opens the possibility of less competition and better returns for those who do things right. What do you think?

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