renting out a home

[sholo]

Hi everyone and Russ!

Ive been a visitor to CR quite a few times over the past few years.  On my first trip down my mother and I purchased some land in the area between Platanillo and Dominical.  We have since had a house built on part of the property while living in NY.  This July I will be heading down to live (or stay for a few months) in the house while I (with limited funds) supervise the installation of a pool, landscape, and build another (smaller) house on the property as well.  The plan is to eventually rent out the larger house on a weekly or daily basis during the high season while staying in the smaller house.  I plan on staying in CR part of the year and returning to NY during the low season.  I would love any input, advice, warnings etc.  Im also unsure as to what permits I may need to do such a thing.  Thanks in advance for your replies!

[Russ]

Welcome to the forum and your new home in Costa Rica! 

Technically speaking you should declare your rental income to Hacienda (net income), get a health permit from the local municipality and probably some documentation from ICT as a tourism business. 

As a practical matter no one does this, although once you are here you should talk to people around Dominical - so that you can be abreast of the local situation.  You'll need to know if the local city begins requiring permits or if the Costa Rican government begins looking at the vacation rentals industry for any reason.