If you rent out a villa, apartment, or room to visitors in Barbados, the Tourist Accommodation Bill, 2025 is the single most important piece of legislation to watch. It proposes the first comprehensive licensing regime covering the island's entire accommodation sector — hotels, villas, guest houses, apartments, and the vacation rental properties most Airbnb hosts operate.
Where things stand
The Bill was introduced in September 2025 and paused shortly afterward following strong feedback from small rental operators. Government has signalled that a revised version will return after further consultation. The pause is a window of opportunity: owners who prepare now will be compliant on day one, while others scramble.
What the Bill would require
At its core, the Bill makes one thing mandatory: no one may operate tourist accommodation without a licence. Licences would be issued by the Ministry responsible for tourism, remain valid for two years, and be non-transferable.
Applying isn't just a form. As drafted, applications must include:
- Health certification for the property
- Fire safety certification
- Public liability insurance documentation
- A room inventory list
- A multi-hazard management plan (hurricane preparedness, emergency contacts, staff responsibilities)
Minimum operating standards
Beyond the licence itself, the Bill sets ongoing duties for operators. The headline items:
- Transparent pricing — itemized invoices showing all charges and taxes; you cannot charge more than your advertised rate.
- Guest records — name, address, nationality, ID and stay dates kept for seven years, plus monthly occupancy reports.
- Safety — sanitary, hazard-free premises, working fixtures, in-room safes, and emergency numbers displayed.
- Accident registers — guest incidents documented and retained for seven years.
- Accessibility — new and renovated properties must be universally accessible; existing properties get five years to comply or seek an exemption.
- Resilience — properties with 10+ units must maintain generators and water tanks (two-year grace period).
The penalties are serious
| Offence (as drafted) | Fine (BDS) |
|---|---|
| Operating without a licence | $250,000 |
| Operating while suspended or revoked | $250,000 |
| False advertising of licensing or classification | $100,000 |
| Obstructing an inspector / false information | $100,000 |
| Pricing & invoice violations | $5,000 |
| Refusing service without cause / discrimination | $5,000 |
First-time applicants would get a six-month grace period after the law takes effect — a short runway given how much documentation is involved.
What smart owners are doing during the pause
- Registering with the BTPA now. Short-term rental registration is already open at barbadostouristaccommodation.com — being on the register early positions you well for whatever the final law requires.
- Getting insurance and certificates in order. Public liability cover, fire and health certifications take time to arrange — and they protect you today regardless of the Bill.
- Building a paper trail. Start keeping proper guest records and itemized invoices now; retrofitting seven years of records later is impossible.
- Writing a hazard plan. Every Barbados property should have a hurricane plan anyway — the Bill just makes it official.
Don't navigate compliance alone
INtouch Property Management stays on top of every legislative change so you don't have to. From licence paperwork to guest records and hazard plans, our full-management service keeps your rental compliant and earning. Book a free consultation today.
Chat with us on WhatsAppDisclaimer: This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. Legislation and policy in Barbados continue to evolve — including the Tourist Accommodation Bill, which remains under review — and requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the Barbados Tourism Product Authority, the Barbados Revenue Authority, or a qualified professional before acting.