Short-term rentals in Colombia and digital platforms

Short-term rentals in Colombia are regulated as a tourism accommodation service and do not constitute an autonomous legal category. Generally, they are carried out through a tourism accommodation, which must: (i) be registered in the National Tourism Register (RNT), (ii) comply with applicable land use regulations, and (iii) have, if applicable, the authorization from the community of owners' rules. In turn, digital platforms acting as intermediaries for short-term rentals are considered providers of tourism services in their capacity as intermediaries, even if they are domiciled abroad, and must comply with registration, information, and cooperation obligations with the authorities.

The draft decree currently under consideration proposes a profound reform of the existing regime, as it aims to redefine the RNT as an instrument of material verification and traceability, create the RNT Verification and Control System (SVCRNT), strengthen the role of the Chambers of Commerce, and condition the RNT to the results of these verifications. This raises the question of whether 'tourism accommodation' could be considered an autonomous land use, which presents significant challenges for local authorities and for those who decide to use their properties for this activity.