Officials in Cancun are working on regulations that would better control the vacation rental industry, including companies such as Airbnb.

According to Riviera Maya News, Cancun city council members are working on a new legislative fiscal package that will feature the application of the Law and Regulations for Holiday Rental Platforms for 2019.

Regulatory Improvement Commission president Isaac Janix Alanis revealed the new regulations will ensure vacation rental properties pay a three percent lodging tax and acquire the proper operating licenses. The legislation is due by December 15.

"It's not just about regulating Airbnb, which is currently paying three percent tax, but all, like Homeaway, Roomorama and others where they are not paying any kind of tax, and that's not the most serious issue," Alanis said. "The serious thing is that by working without an operating license, they also work without adequate civil protection measures, they lack an agreement, which is one of the most important for this type of business."

Cancun city council members cited a recent report that suggests there are over 9,000 vacation room offerings in the city. By forcing operators to apply for an operating license, the Mexican government can delimit the areas where rental houses or apartments are offered.

Officials believe the regulation of the vacation rental platforms will ensure the safety and security of the tourism industry in the popular travel destination.

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