Karnataka Tourism Homestay Operational Guidelines (2026)

Once your homestay is registered, it is important to understand that registration is only the beginning. Karnataka Tourism has prescribed a set of operational guidelines that every homestay owner must follow.

Registration & Legal Compliance

1. All existing and new homestays must be registered with the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka.

2. Homestays are considered an extension of domestic residential activities and are therefore treated as a non-commercial activity. However, owners must continue to pay:

   • Property tax

   • Electricity charges

   • Water charges

   • Utility charges

   • Any other statutory dues applicable to the property

3. Homestay owners are responsible for complying with all tax and statutory requirements.

4. Registered homestays are not required to obtain a trade license under these guidelines.

Room & Occupancy Limits

5. A homestay must have a minimum of 1 lettable room and can have a maximum of 6 lettable rooms.

6. A homestay can accommodate a maximum of 12 beds.

7. No room can have more than 3 beds (excluding children's cots).

8. Dormitory-style accommodation and bunk beds are not permitted in a homestay.

9. At any point in time, a maximum of 12 adults can stay as guests.

Property Requirements

10. Guest rooms may be:

• Part of the residence occupied by the owner or their spouse/children; or

• Located in a separate building or cottage within the same property/survey number.

11. It is desirable that every guest room has an attached bathroom.

12. Rooms cannot be rented on a time-share basis.

Guest Communication & Hospitality

13. The owner (or spouse/children residing in the property) should clearly explain:

• Facilities available

• House rules

• Charges and tariffs applicable to guests

14. Breakfast must be provided to guests.

15. Additional meals may be offered on request on a paid basis.

16. It is recommended that the cost of breakfast be included in the room tariff.

17. It is desirable that meals served reflect the local cuisine and culture.

Safety, Hygiene & Security

18. Accommodation must always be maintained in a clean, hygienic, and guest-ready condition.

19. Prescribed standards relating to:

• Quality

• Health

• Hygiene

• Fire safety
  must be followed at all times.

20. CCTV surveillance should be installed at the reception/main entrance area.

21. CCTV footage/data should be retained for at least 30 days.

Guest Registration Requirements

22. Every homestay must maintain a guest register in either physical or electronic format.

23. Guest records should include:

• Check-in details

• Check-out details

• Guest identification details

• Address

• Date of birth

24. Copies of guest ID cards should be maintained.

25. Passport details of foreign guests must be recorded.

26. Details of foreign guests must be submitted to the police department as per applicable regulations.

Mandatory Registers

27. Every homestay should maintain:

• Feedback Register

• Complaint Register with Action Taken Report

These should be available at the reception, reservation desk, or main entrance area.

Community & Responsible Tourism

28. Guests should not cause public nuisance or disturb neighbours.

29. Homestays should provide authentic local experiences through:

• Local décor

• Traditional cuisine

• Local culture

• Local activities

30. Homestay operators may collaborate with:

• Local tour operators

• Travel agents

• Transport operators

to enhance guest experiences.

31. Appropriate precautions should be taken for activities conducted outside the homestay premises, especially after sunset.

Emergency Information

32. The following contact details should be prominently displayed and shared with guests:

• Police Station

• Fire Department

• Forest Department (where applicable)

• Child Helpline

• Women's Helpline

• Nearest Hospital

• Doctor/Emergency Medical Contact

• Other relevant local authorities

Sustainability Guidelines

33. Homestays should adopt sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

34. Proper waste management systems should be implemented.

35. Waste segregation, recycling, and environmentally responsible disposal practices are encouraged.

36. Use of renewable energy sources is encouraged wherever feasible.

37. Homestay operators are encouraged to employ local people and procure goods and services from local vendors.

Display Requirements

38. The Homestay Registration Certificate must be displayed prominently at the reception or main entrance and should be clearly visible to visitors.

Government Benefits

39. Registered homestays may be eligible for benefits, schemes, and incentives announced by the State Government and Central Government from time to time.

Violations & Legal Action

40. Operating a homestay without valid registration and approval is considered illegal.

41. Legal action may be initiated against owners or promoters operating unauthorized homestays.

42. Any illegal activities involving guests must be immediately reported to the police.

43. A registered homestay should not be operated as a hotel or commercial accommodation establishment.

44. Homestays should not claim benefits meant exclusively for hotels unless specifically permitted under government policy.

Read about How to Register a Homestay in Karnataka by clicking here

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