City says over 300 units renting illegally at Miami high-rise, but condo board disputes the claim

A condominium association has retained legal counsel after the City of Miami ordered it to stop allowing unregistered short-term rentals, alleging hundreds of units are being rented without approval.

The dispute centers on The Club at Brickell Bay, a high-rise in the Brickell neighborhood. City officials say inspectors found more than 300 vacation rentals operating there, despite the building having authorization for only 30 units.

The city sent a cease-and-desist order to the condominium association on Aug. 11, directing it to stop rentals of fewer than 30 days. City officials also alleged that inspectors attempting to investigate the property were denied access.

In a response letter shared with CBS News Miami, the association disputed the city's allegations.

"The Association denies operating a lodging or hotel establishment," the letter states. The association also said it "acknowledges the City's concerns."

Despite the order, short-term rentals continued to be advertised online this week. CBS News Miami found multiple units available for booking and observed visitors arriving with luggage at the building.

Quinn Williams, who was staying at the building through a short-term rental, said he had no idea about the dispute.

"I actually just got here at 9 this morning, but I'm very satisfied with all the amenities," Williams said.

Longtime owner and resident Christina Lardon said the volume of visitors has changed the character of the building and created overcrowding concerns.

"Overcapacity is killing us," Lardon said.

Another visitor, Morrissa Major, said she was unaware her rental could be under scrutiny.

"Oh, well, I hope it's not one of ours," Major said.

Maria Sindia Borras, the newly elected chair of the board at The Club at Brickell Bay Plaza, issued a statement on behalf of the board.

"The newly elected Board intends to work cooperatively with the City to resolve any misunderstandings while protecting the interests of our property owners and full-time families," Borras said in a statement. "We have made a detailed records request of the City and hired a law firm with expertise in land use and zoning law. We also asked the City for a 90-day grace period while we obtain and review those records."

Lardon, however, questioned whether unit owners will end up footing the bill for the legal fight.

"I feel like I've been used, I've been had, and I've been played," she said.

The City of Miami's Office of Communications responded Friday afternoon.

"The Association has provided a response, and a meeting is currently being scheduled. The City will continue to address the matter in accordance with applicable state and local laws," the office said in a statement.

The city has not said whether it will grant the association's request for a 90-day grace period. A meeting between the two sides is being scheduled.