Mexico limits short-term rentals to 180 nights and caps annual rent hikes

Mexico keeps rent caps tied to inflation

Mexico City’s rent cap still limits annual increases for residential leases to the previous year’s inflation rate, after the Supreme Court upheld the rule on Feb. 25, 2026. The city also requires landlords to register lease agreements in a digital system within 30 days of signing or 90 days for existing contracts.

Short-term rentals face separate limits. Hosts must stay under 50% annual occupancy, about 180 nights and register with the city’s tourism registry. Airbnb and similar platforms must verify registry details and fines can reach MXN 21,000 for violations.

Who feels the pressure most

The rules hit expats, digital nomads and travelers looking for stays in Roma, Condesa and Polanco, where short-term availability is tighter. Longer-term renters benefit from more predictable increases, but they also face stricter paperwork and contract tracking.

Short-term hosts with more than three properties can fall under commercial rules, while social housing is off limits for this rental model. The city says the measures are meant to cool gentrification pressure, but the immediate effect is less supply for visitors who rely on Airbnb or Vrbo. For ongoing coverage, check our nomad news.

What landlords and renters need to watch

Landlords must register leases digitally and keep rent hikes within the inflation cap reported by the Bank of Mexico. If they miss the registry deadline, the increase can be treated as invalid.

Hosts need a yearly renewal in the Padrón de Anfitriones, plus biannual occupancy reports to the tourism ministry and basic safety equipment such as smoke detectors. In April 2026, Mayor Clara Brugada proposed the "Fair, Reasonable and Affordable Rent Law," which is now under congressional review. Read our full Mexico guide for the complete picture.