Quintana Roo Sets Deadline for Vacation Rental Safety Permits

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Owners of vacation rental units in Quintana Roo have until the first quarter of 2026 to approach Civil Protection and complete the corresponding permit process before security measure verification operations begin.

However, in the particular case of Quintana Roo, some flexibility is being given so that owners first have the opportunity to process their operating license. This was explained by Jesús Riveroll Ribbon, municipal director of Civil Protection:

“There is a dilemma because we have a platform that is completely digital and does not allow you to advance in the civil protection approval if you do not have the certificate of commercial land use, but let’s remember that many of these homes are in residential areas and do not meet that requirement, so we are doing manual surveys.”

Obligations and Sanctions for Service Providers

Among the requirements to be met is the obligation to place visible fire extinguishers and emergency numbers for those staying in these homes, as well as first aid kits adapted to the type of occupants. They are also required to implement evacuation routes and clear signage in case of emergency.

Regarding sanctions, he mentioned that they cannot yet impose fines on vacation rentals that do not meet the requirements; however, it is part of the work that authorities are doing to have the authority and ensure that accommodations are registered and comply with the provisions.

This comes after the Regulation of the Tourism Law in Quintana Roo was updated in 2025, according to which the 11 municipalities of the state will have the authority to regulate, limit, or authorize the operation of digital platforms and vacation rentals in certain areas, applying criteria such as land use, municipal licenses and operating permits, as well as civil protection approvals.

The measure was well received by representatives of the hotel sector, who have insisted on the need to generate fairer competition conditions in the face of the accelerated growth of this type of accommodation.

In the state, the Secretariat of Tourism has the registration of 30,816 active rentals throughout the state.