How to turn your Riviera Maya property into a vacation rental business
Thinking of buying a property in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Akumal? Here's how to make it earn for you.
More and more international buyers are seeing real estate in the Riviera Maya not just as a lifestyle upgrade — but as a source of income.
Whether you’ve purchased a beachfront condo, a jungle villa, or a city apartment near Quinta Avenida, turning your home into a vacation rental can generate reliable cash flow when you're not using it — or even become a full-time business.
Here’s how to go from property owner to rental host, the legal steps involved, and key tips to succeed.
Step 1: Understand the legal framework
To rent out your property legally in Mexico — whether on Airbnb, Vrbo, or privately — you must comply with:
Municipal licensing and registration
This includes obtaining a local business license for tourist lodging.
In Playa del Carmen and Tulum, this is handled through the Dirección de Turismo y Desarrollo Urbano.
State lodging permit (Quintana Roo)
For short-term rentals, a SEDETUR permit is required.
This applies to stays under 30 days.
Federal tax registration (SAT)
You’ll need to obtain an RFC number (Mexican tax ID) and register under the appropriate activity code.
If you’re a foreigner, this is typically done via a representative or tax advisor.
Step 2: Set up accounting and pay taxes
Vacation rental income is subject to Mexican income tax (ISR) and VAT (IVA) in most cases.
Income tax is based on your net income after expenses.
Value-added tax is typically 16% on short-term lodging.
Platforms like Airbnb may withhold taxes, but you’re still responsible for declaring.
Work with a local accountant or fiscal representative to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Step 3: Operations — management, cleaning, and guest support
You can manage your property yourself or hire a professional property management company to:
Handle guest check-ins and communication
Coordinate cleaning and maintenance
Manage bookings across multiple platforms
Ensure compliance with local bylaws and HOA rules
If you’re abroad, this is strongly recommended to ensure guest satisfaction and protect your asset.
Step 4: Optimize your rental business
Successful vacation rentals in the Riviera Maya typically have:
Professional photos and accurate listings in English and Spanish
Competitive seasonal pricing
Fast guest response times
Excellent reviews and consistent cleaning standards
Digital guidebooks and recommendations for local experiences
Tools like dynamic pricing software and automated booking calendars can help streamline the process.
Final thoughts
Turning your Riviera Maya property into a vacation rental can be a rewarding and profitable decision — but it requires planning, legal compliance, and local expertise.
At BuyPlaya, we don’t just sell homes — we help buyers connect with trusted property managers, accountants, and legal advisors so their investment works for them from day one.
Aarón is a born and raised "chilango". After finishing his university studies, what started as a social service trip became his new home and where he started a family in Playa del Carmen. He enjoys the delicious food and culture of the Yucatan peninsula with his wife, daughter, and son. As a professional, he has made a career as a specialist in social networks and electronic media, helping the companies he has worked for to efficiently achieve all their objectives in the medium.