Dominican Republic updates real estate and rental regulations

The Dominican Republic is addressing the evolving landscape of the real estate and rental sectors through new legislative frameworks and industry dialogue. The First International Short-Term Rental Congress RD 2026, organized by the Dominican Association of Short-Term Rentals (ADORECO) and economist Gabriel González Florentino, brought together approximately 700 stakeholders to discuss regulation, professionalization, and technology in the short-term lodging market.

Simultaneously, the rental market is being modernized by Law 85-25 on Real Estate Leases and Evictions, which replaces outdated 1955 legislation. This new law aims to provide legal security and balance the relationship between landlords and tenants. Key provisions include a cap on security deposits at a maximum of two months' rent and a limit on rent increases to 10% if not otherwise specified in the contract. For verbal agreements, the law presumes a minimum term of one year.