Short-term rentals in Colombia are typically referred to as "servicios de alojamiento turístico" (tourist accommodation services) or "servicios de hospedaje" (lodging services). The local term for short-term rental properties is "hospedajes" (lodgings). On popular booking platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, these listings are typically identified as "vacation rentals," "holiday rentals," or "tourist accommodations."

Short-term rentals in Colombia are defined as fully furnished properties rented out for brief periods, to travelers seeking alternatives to conventional hotel accommodations. These rentals typically include a variety of properties, such as apartments, homes, and individual rooms, often managed by private owners or small businesses. Colombia’s short-term rental sector has attracted both domestic and international travelers who seek more personalized and often more economical lodging options. These accommodations cater to tourists and business travelers alike, adding a level of flexibility and personalization that can enhance the travel experience.

Subletting laws in Colombia allow property owners to operate short-term rentals, provided they comply with national and local regulations. For tenants, however, subletting can be more restrictive. In general, tenants are not permitted to legally operate a short-term rental without explicit permission from the landlord. If the property is located within a condominium governed by horizontal property laws, additional approval may be required from the homeowners' association, as many associations impose restrictions on short-term rentals to maintain the community’s residential nature. Local government regulations may further influence the legality of subletting, making it essential for tenants to obtain all necessary permissions before offering short-term accommodations.

Colombia has no national maximum stay for short-term rentals, but local regulations (e.g., in Cartagena and Medellín, which has a 30 day limit) may impose restrictions. Maximum stay can also be affected by property type (apartments/condominiums often have stricter rules than houses, especially regarding homeowners association regulations) and the number of guests (occupancy limits may indirectly shorten allowable stays).

Colombia regulates short-term rentals through several key measures: 1) Mandatory registration with the National Tourism Registry (RNT, per Decree 2119 of 2018); 2) Compliance with zoning/land use regulations (municipalities may restrict rentals in certain areas); 3) Adherence to Horizontal Property Law (Ley 675 de 2001), requiring co-owner approval (typically 70% majority) in condominiums; 4) Guest reporting via the TRA system (for all guests) and SIRE platform (for foreign guests); 5) Tax obligations (income tax and potential VAT); 6) Adherence to health and safety standards; and 7) Encouragement of sustainable tourism practices. Non-compliance can result in fines and RNT suspension. Consulting legal experts or local authorities is recommended

In Colombia, all short-term rentals (under 30 days) must register with the National Tourism Registry (RNT). This is mandatory for offering tourist services. Registration requires personal/RUT info, property details (address, rooms, beds), and business details (if applicable). Hosts must agree to a code of conduct. Registration is done online, takes up to 15 business days, and must be renewed annually (Jan 1-Mar 31). The RNT number must be displayed on platforms like Airbnb. Failure to register can result in fines (up to $650,000 USD), suspension of operations, and legal action.

Colombia has associations supporting short-term rental owners: 1) Asohost advocates for short-term rental hosts using digital platforms, promoting formalization and ethical practices, and engaging in policy discussions. 1 2) COTELCO, primarily representing hotels, also addresses broader hospitality concerns, including the impact of short-term rentals, advocating for stricter regulations. Engaging with these associations offers advocacy, resources/training, and networking opportunities. Both are based in Bogotá.