Illegal Casas Particulares

Since fees for Casas Particulares are high, some Cubans run an illegal Casa Particular. Each time someone is renting a room to a tourist and doesn’t have a government license, they are renting it illegally. Intentions are to take advantage of high tourism while avoiding paying the country its dues.

What Could Happen if You Stay at an Illegal Casa Particular

Cuba has officers who are especially appointed to bust illegal Casas Particulares. If you get caught sleeping in an illegal casa particular, you could get kicked out in the middle of the night. That’s about it for you.

Cubans who are running an illegal Casa Particular could lose their house.

All Casas Particulares in Varadero Are Illegal

Keep in mind that certain tourist resorts, such as Varadero don’t have any legal casas particulares at all. You can only stay in a hotel in Varadero. Any casa you could get offered in Varadero will be illegal.

Varadero - Casas Particulares are Illegal to Protect Interests of Hotels, such as Harredura in this Picture. Photo: karolajnat, Flickr

How To Tell if a Casa Particular is Illegal

All legal casas particulares have signs on their font door or other highly visible place. If a casa doesn’t have it, it’s likely illegal. All legal casas pay high fees for their license and a sign and wear it proudly and visibly. The sign is their front line advertising that attracts people from the street. Every legal casa will strive to have it as visible as possible. If you can’t see it, chances are good that casa particular is illegal.