In Aruba, short-term rentals are popularly known as timeshares, though they are also referred to as 'vacation rentals' or 'holiday homes' on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. These accommodations range from private rooms to entire homes and are typically rented for less than six months.
The government recently emphasized the need for clearer regulations for short-term accommodation providers from small hosts to large hotels highlighting the growing significance of the short term rental sector in the local tourism landscape as there is no law specifically for the length of stay and some other aspects of the business.

Subletting in Aruba is permissible under certain conditions. The specific regulations and requirements governing subletting are determined by the terms of the original lease agreement between the landlord and tenant. Generally, a tenant must obtain the landlord's explicit permission to sublet the property. This is a standard practice to ensure that the subletting arrangement adheres to the lease terms and the landlord's consent is documented, which is crucial for maintaining legal protection for all parties involved.
The legal framework for rental agreements, including subletting in Aruba, is influenced by the Civil Code of Aruba, which does not provide specific prohibitions against subletting but emphasizes the need for contractual agreements to comply with legally established norms and the landlord's approval.

Aruba does not impose a legal maximum length of stay, but short-term stays are generally limited by immigration rules. U.S. citizens can stay for up to three months, while visitors from other countries are typically allowed two weeks. Extensions require special approval from the Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs.
Although rental agreements longer than 180 days are not legally restricted, such stays usually necessitate property ownership or residency application. Additionally, all travelers must present a round-trip ticket or proof of departure from the island on a specified date.

As of October 2023, Aruba proposed developing a regulatory framework for short-term rentals (STRs) to ensure a fair and competitive tourism sector. Key rules and regulations include:

1. Registration and Licensing: STR operators must register properties and obtain necessary permits, ensuring compliance with zoning, safety, and tax laws.  
2. Taxation: Operators are subject to a 12.5% tourist tax, a $3 nightly tourist levy, income tax on rental earnings, and a 0.6% annual ground tax. Additional services may incur a 7% sales tax.  
3. Health and Safety: Compliance with the Aruba Health & Happiness Code is mandatory, requiring adherence to sanitation, safety, and emergency readiness standards, verified through inspections and audits.  
4. Platform Accountability: Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo may need to verify listings, collect taxes, and share data with authorities under future regulations.  
5. Guest/Tourist Rules: Housing laws protect long-term tenants from unfair eviction for the purpose of vacation rental, and guests must complete the Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) Card upon arrival. Visitors arriving by air must pay a $20 sustainability fee used to fund projects like upgrading sewage treatment. It is processed online through the Embarkation & Disembarkation (ED) Card platform and started on July 1, 2024 
6. Zoning and Heritage Laws: Zoning laws and cultural heritage regulations, such as Law No. 2 on National and Local Monuments, protect culturally significant areas and ensure sustainable development.

NOTE: The Aruba Quality & Hospitality Authority (AQHA) oversees compliance, while the Lease Commission mediates landlord-tenant disputes.

Not yet. The Aruban government is in the final stages of approving legislation that will require all vacation rental property owners to obtain a registration number. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote fairness and uphold quality standards in the vacation rental market. The new law will introduce an annual registration or permit fee, with all applications processed digitally.
A newly established entity, likely under the revised Department of Inspection and Hygiene, will be responsible for overseeing vacation rentals to ensure compliance with hygiene and safety regulations. This regulatory framework aims to create a level playing field for all accommodation providers while integrating the vacation rental sector more effectively into the local economy and ensuring adherence to tax and legal requirements.

There is no national association for short-term rental owners in Aruba at the moment as the regulations are still in the pipeline.