Thinking of renting out your property in Belize? Whether it’s an Airbnb, VRBO, or traditional vacation home, here’s everything you need to know about the rules set by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB).
What Properties Need BTB Registration?
- All properties, including homes, rooms, villas, apartments, condos, cabanas, and even bed & breakfasts, must register with the BTB as tourist accommodations before being rented to tourists or advertised.
- This applies no matter the platform—Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, or any other site.
- Advertising or using a property for rental without BTB registration is an offense punishable with fines (up to BZ$10,000), imprisonment, or both.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rentals: What’s the Difference?
- Short-term/vacation rentals: Rented for days, weeks, or months to visitors on Tourist Visas.
- Must be BTB licensed.
- Long-term residential rentals: For tenants with Permanent Residency, Work Permits, QRP status, or Belizean Nationals.
- May not require BTB registration if tenants hold the proper immigration status.
- Visitors on Tourist Visas (including those with renewed permits) can only rent and stay in BTB-registered accommodations, regardless of rental term.
- SUMMARY: Tenants with the right immigration status (residents, QRP, work permit holders) may rent non-BTB-licensed properties for long-term residential stays, but anyone on a Tourist Visa cannot.
Step-by-Step: How to Get BTB Licensed
To legally rent your property to tourists, you must:
- Complete the BTB Hotel/Accommodation License Application.
- Submit supporting documents:
- Proof of property ownership (title, conveyance, or strata documents)
- Owner’s passport and business registration (if applicable)
- Certificate of Incorporation and company good standing (if applicable)
- Manager’s work permit (for foreign managers)
- Trade license (if in a larger town)
- Liability insurance
- Management contract (if using a management company)
- Pass official inspections:
- Fire safety clearance (Fire Department)
- Public health inspection
- Building Authority occupancy approval
- Environmental clearance (if required)
- Pay application and licensing fees.
- Once the BTB approves your application and standards are met, you’ll receive your license to operate as a hotel/tourist accommodation.
Mandatory Standards for Rental Properties
All guest accommodations must meet minimum quality, cleanliness, and safety requirements under the Hotels and Tourist Accommodation Act:
- Minimum room sizes (e.g., 90sq.ft. for single rooms)
- Modern mattresses, clean bedding, towels, and adequate furnishings
- Private baths with clean water, soap, and toilet facilities
- Safety features: lockable doors, emergency instructions, fire equipment
- Air conditioning, fan, or proper ventilation must be provided
- Buildings must be safe and maintained to high standards.
Taxes and Reporting
- You are required to remit a 9% accommodation tax to the BTB on all rents collected from guests, regardless of length of stay for those on Tourist Visas.
- You must keep records of guests, room rates, and submit reports/payments regularly.
- Noncompliance with tax remittance or licensing regulations can result in penalties and/or summary conviction.
Special Notes for Foreign Owners & Platforms
- Foreigners can legally own and register vacation rentals.
- If your property is in a condo project with a management company, licensing may be covered by their “blanket license”—confirm before listing.
- You cannot list your property on Airbnb or similar platforms unless it is registered and licensed by the BTB.
- Tenants with the right immigration status (residents, QRP, work permit holders) may rent non-BTB-licensed properties for long-term residential stays, but anyone on a Tourist Visa cannot.
Key Reminders
- Always register before advertising or renting.
- Maintain all required standards and pass annual inspections.
- Follow tax rules carefully to avoid penalties.
- Check with your property manager or condo association about licensing, if applicable.
By following these guidelines, you’ll stay compliant with Belizean law, safeguard your investment, and provide a secure, quality experience for your guests.