Himachal Pradesh Enacts Comprehensive Home Stay Rules, Mandating Registration and Categorisation

The Himachal Pradesh Tourism & Civil Aviation Department recently issued the Himachal Pradesh Home Stay Rules, 2025, which came into force on June 25, 2025, upon their publication in the Rajpatra (e-Gazette). These rules were formulated in exercise of powers conferred by Section 64 of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development and Registration Act, 2002, and follow the commencement of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development and Registration (Amendment) Act, 2023, also effective from June 25, 2025. The new rules supersede the Himachal Pradesh Home Stay Scheme, 2008, which has been repealed. Prior to their finalisation, the draft rules were published on February 14, 2025, inviting objections and suggestions from the general public, which were subsequently considered and incorporated.

The new framework introduces a structured approach to home stay operations across the state. It defines a 'Home Stay' as a private house, not in dilapidated condition, located in urban or rural areas, offering accommodation to tourists. Key definitions include 'Bonafide Himachali' (a person with a permanent home in Himachal Pradesh or residing there for at least 20 years) and categorises home stays into 'Diamond' (room rates exceeding Rs. 10,000 per day), 'Gold' (Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 10,000 per day), and 'Silver' (less than Rs. 3,000 per day). Owners of private houses can apply online for registration through the e-Services Portal. The registration process involves a site inspection by the prescribed authority to ensure location suitability, facilities, hygiene, cleanliness, and tourist safety. Home stays are permitted a maximum of six rooms (12 single beds), each with an attached toilet facility, though separate toilet facilities may be allowed in rural areas. The rules stipulate that existing tourism units already registered under the Incredible India Bed & Breakfast/Homestay Establishments scheme or the Himachal Pradesh Home Stay Scheme, 2008, must apply for fresh registration under these new rules within 30 days of their commencement. The legislation provided: “No person shall operate a Home Stay unit unless it is registered in accordance with the provisions of these rules.”

The rules outline a detailed fee structure for registration and renewal, varying by category and location (Municipal Corporation, Town and Country Planning/Special Area Development Authority/Nagar Panchayat, or Gram Panchayat limits). For instance, a Diamond category home stay in an MC limit faces an annual registration fee of Rs. 18,000, while a Silver category unit in a Gram Panchayat limit pays Rs. 3,000. A 10% discount is offered for three-year advance payments, and an additional 5% discount is provided to women owners. Furthermore, home stays in the Pangi Sub-Division of District Chamba benefit from a 50% reduction in registration fees. Owners are mandated to maintain minimum standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and food quality, as detailed in Annexure-III of the rules. They must also maintain registers for tourist check-ins and check-outs, issue bills from verified bill books, offer online payment facilities, and display their registration certificates. For foreign tourists, home stay owners are required to transmit Form C under the Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1992. Additional responsibilities include providing basic fire equipment, making efforts for rainwater harvesting, promoting Himachali handicrafts and architecture, ensuring safe and hygienic Himachali cuisine, installing CCTVs in common areas, and ensuring payment of minimum wages to workers. The prescribed authority or any authorised officer is empowered to enter and inspect home stay units to ensure compliance, with provisions for seizing documents if evasion is suspected. Incentives include charging domestic rates for power and water supply for Silver category home stays, while Diamond and Gold categories will be charged commercial rates. The rules explicitly state that their provisions are in addition to, and not in derogation of, any other Act or rules in force, and contravention may lead to penal action under the parent Act.

Keywords: Himachal Pradesh, Home Stay Rules, Tourism, Registration, Categorisation, Tourism Development, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development and Registration Act, Delegated Legislation, Home Stay Policy, Tourist Accommodation

Geo Tags: India, Himachal Pradesh District: Not Applicable