No 30-Day Loophole Scheme: The Only Scheme Is Jorge Castillo Hiding the Truth
The lawsuit accuses the Board of aiding short-term renters through a so-called “30-day lease scheme,” where leases were allegedly created for the minimum 30-day period, then quickly cancelled and reissued to the next guest. Below are claims that are found in the lawsuit
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Paragraph 19–20 (pp. 7–8)
“…They would cycle through a series of ‘30-day leases,’ which were terminated just after a few nights… This was an illegal hotel operation, disguised by paperwork. Yet Bain… insisted this was a legitimate ‘loophole’ the building had no choice but to tolerate.”
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Paragraph 20 (fn. 7, p. 8)
“Bain’s view of this alleged ‘loophole’ continued into his tenure on the current Board.”​​
The so-called “30-day lease scheme” is a distortion of the facts. Jorge Castillo, a former Board member and now plaintiff, sat in meetings with the Association’s attorney where it was made clear that the Association has no authority to approve or deny leases. In meetings with the City of Miami—meetings Castillo himself attended—Geoff Bain was outspoken in affirming that position, citing the Association’s legal counsel. Far from creating a loophole, Bain instructed the property manager on July 24th 2024 to ensure the City was aware of the issue and to work directly with the City so that unit owners complied with Miami 21 ordinances.
Exhibit EE: Does Former Board Member Jorge Castillo and the Plaintiffs Think It’s Illegal to talk to owners about the Condo Docs?
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Paragraph 51 (fn. 17, p. 21)
“…Defendants have looked for ‘loopholes’ to help the investor-owners for some time. See Ex. EE (email from Bain, emphasizing the ‘loophole,’ a position Defendants quickly adopted).”
Below is the email chain that is being referenced in Exhibit EE