The Punta del Este-Maldonado Real Estate Chamber (CIPEM) warned, through a statement, about alleged scams committed through apps and social networks within the framework of the influx of tourists through the summer season.
The entity was concerned about scams “referring to temporary rentals, in the parallel internet market, which are carried out through social networks, and by “supposed owners” directly who are not the owners of the homes, where tourists properties that do not exist are contacted and rented.”
According to the Real Estate Chamber of Punta del Este-Maldonado, the method of deception consists of publishing photos of various properties, offering them for temporary rentcharge a reservation for it so that, once the tourist is in the place, they discover that it does not exist.
The president of the chamber, Javier Senaconveyed this situation to the interim Minister of Tourism, Remo Monzegliowho communicated “alerted by different episodes that occurred in various places in Punta del Este”according to the statement.
How to avoid vacation rental scams?
When finalizing the rental of a property with the aim of spending the summer in some of the country’s cities, real estate operators suggest opting for real estate agencies registered with the Ministry of Tourism. They can be checked through the portfolio’s website.
However, the CIPEM once again urged the Chamber of Deputies to approve in the month of March the Real Estate Operator Law. This is a legal framework, presented by the sector, to regulate the activity.
Among the main points of the rule, which was already approved in committee in November, it establishes the requirements to practice as a real estate operator, as well as the rights and sanctions provided for obligations for non-compliance with the regulations.
It details that the activity is only carried out by agents, brokers, commission agents, brokers, real estate and tourism service providers, and operators.
Among the other highlights, article 8 creates the National Registry of Real Estate Operators, which will operate within the orbit of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), and will be administered by an honorary commission made up of three members of the Executive Branch, as well as two members of the representative unions of the sector.
Source: Ambito
