By Paola Solis
El Inmobiliario
SANTO DOMINGO – The short-term rental model has encouraged many landlords to invest, regularize their properties, and access financing, also benefiting the national financial system. Yajaira Sosa, president of the Dominican Short-Term Rental Association, believes this phenomenon is closely linked to daily life and, if well managed, can become a legitimate path to comprehensive development, community regeneration, and sustainability.
She argues that far from being a simple lodging alternative, this model, which has become popular worldwide, represents a concrete opportunity for economic development in the Dominican Republic, the businesswoman explained in an interview with El Inmobiliario, in which she defended the transformative role of this sector in the country.
“The short-term rental sector continues to expand in the Dominican Republic, responding to concrete needs that are often overlooked in decision-making spaces and in the dominant public narrative,” he said.
Beyond its economic impact, he highlighted that this model has contributed to "recovering abandoned spaces, strengthening community security and promoting responsible occupation.".
Sosa emphasized that short-term rentals channel income directly to ordinary people, boosting the local economy and allowing many landlords access to the formal financial system. “This phenomenon, if well managed, can become a legitimate path to comprehensive development, community regeneration, and sustainability,” she pointed out.
Regulate appropriately
In that regard, he spoke about the importance of proper regulation. “Regulation is necessary, but not just any kind. It must be done with knowledge of the sector and by listening to those who experience it firsthand. Well-designed regulations not only bring order and protect communities, but also encourage formalization and support responsible hosts. Imposing rules without industry input only fuels informality.”.
He emphasized that with the support and commitment of the State, there is still time to build an exemplary, balanced, and sustainable model. "One that the country can be proud of, and that can even serve as a reference for other nations facing the same challenges.".
He pointed out that the regulation should be effective with the sector, not imposed on it. "A clear, proportionate, and applicable framework is needed, one that prevents parallel markets, provides confidence to those already investing, and protects communities. A regulation aligned with the Dominican reality, that provides security for both hosts and visitors, promotes best practices, and preserves the inclusion of those who sustain this industry at the local level.".
A warning for the country
When asked about the possibility of repeating measures in the country like those recently adopted in Spain, where the government demanded Airbnb remove tens of thousands of illegal listings, Sosa warned that "yes, especially if regulatory decisions are made without considering the reality of the sector or including those who legitimately represent it in the dialogue.".
In contrast to Europe, he noted that in the Dominican Republic the short-term rental model has driven specific housing projects, boosting construction, attracting foreign investment, and generating employment. Therefore, he called for the development of “clear, proportionate, and applicable” regulations that promote best practices and ensure inclusion at the local level.
Sosa asserted that the sector is not saturated, but it does need order: “There is still room to grow, especially in emerging areas where supply is limited. But that growth must be sustainable, and that implies respecting local culture, community values, and the identity of each territory.”.
The president of ADORECO was emphatic in pointing out that "if what the communities already are is not recognized —their history, their way of living and coexisting, any development will be superficial.".
