Vacation rentals or accommodations in condominiums that do not authorize short term

In condominium complexes that do not offer short-term rentals for Miami Beach lodging, it is not uncommon to still find people advertising space available for those booking rooms for vacation packages to Miami. These types of listings should be a red flag for you as you research your options for Miami Beach lodging. Property owners who are advertising their condos in these types of situations are attempting to dodge their condo associations' rules. If you select one of these vacation packages to Miami, you may end up in a dramatic situation that could ruin your vacation and cost you money.

Owners in condominiums that do not allow for short-term stays typically try to skirt the rules by lying about who their guests are. Often, owners claim that those who will be using the property are friends or family members and are not paying for the right to stay there. It usually does not take condominium associations long to discover this type of ruse, particularly if the owner is renting their property out every week or every month to someone new.

When renting a condominium at a complex that does not allow short-term stays, you run the risk of being discovered as a paying customer rather than a friend or family member. If you are caught, the condo association could decide to evict you, forcing you to find another place to stay during your trip. Even if you're not evicted, the situation can be very embarrassing and could potentially spoil your relaxing vacation.

Renting a condominium in a complex that does not allow short stays can also pose a risk even before you arrive. If the owner is discovered by the condo association, it is likely that he will no longer be permitted to rent out his condo, which means you will have to battle to get back your down payment and find alternative lodging.

Not only is the type of deception that these unscrupulous owners engage in unethical, but it also could be illegal. Since the owners are pretending that they are not being paid for renting out their properties, they often do not claim this rental income on their income taxes. If they are caught, these owners could be charged for the serious crime of tax evasion. While you as the renter would not be held accountable, you could potentially be caught up in the hassle of having to testify against the individual in a court of law.

The best way to avoid the hassle of renting a condominium at a complex that does not allow short-term rentals is to simply not do it. Always ask to look at the condo association rules prior to sending in a down payment, so that you can catch unscrupulous owners before signing anything. Better yet, choose to deal with licensed extended stay operators and management companies, which only offer properties that allow short-term stays.