Himachal Pradesh Notifies New Rules to Regulate and Promote Home Stay Sector

The Himachal Pradesh government has formally issued the Himachal Pradesh Home Stay Rules, 2025, a comprehensive set of regulations aimed at governing the establishment, registration, and operation of home stay units across the state. The rules, notified by the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department on June 25, 2025, under Notification No. TSM-F(10)-10/2003-VI, came into force immediately upon their publication in the Rajpatra (e-Gazette), Himachal Pradesh. This legislative action follows a period of public consultation, where draft rules were published on February 14, 2025, and subsequently on February 17, 2025, inviting objections and suggestions from the general public, which were duly considered and incorporated.

The new rules, enacted by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (2) of Section 64 of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development and Registration Act, 2002 (Act No. 15 of 2002), establish a structured framework for the burgeoning home stay industry. A key provision underscores the regulatory intent, as the legislation provided: "No person shall operate a Home Stay unit unless it is registered in accordance with the provisions of these rules." This mandates formal registration for all home stay units, ensuring adherence to prescribed standards. The rules define 'accommodation' with minimum standard sizes for rooms, specifying 120 square feet for double and 100 square feet for single bedrooms, with an attached toilet facility of 30 square feet. For already constructed dwelling units, these sizes are adjusted to 100 square feet for double, 80 square feet for single bedrooms, and 25 square feet for bathrooms. Home stays are categorized into 'Diamond' (room rates above Rs. 10,000 per day), 'Gold' (Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 10,000 per day), and 'Silver' (below Rs. 3,000 per day), introducing a tiered system for regulation and incentives.

The legislative intent behind the Himachal Pradesh Home Stay Rules, 2025, is to streamline and formalize the home stay sector, thereby enhancing the quality of tourist accommodation and promoting responsible tourism throughout the state. The policy rationale seeks to address previous statutory gaps and limitations by repealing the Himachal Pradesh Home Stay Scheme, 2008, and introducing a more robust regulatory mechanism. The rules aim to ensure that home stay units maintain minimum standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and food quality, as detailed in Annexure-III, thereby safeguarding the interests of tourists. Owners are now required to apply for registration online through an e-Services Portal, with the prescribed authority (the designated official) conducting site inspections to verify location, facilities, hygiene, and security before granting registration. The process mandates disposal of applications within 60 days, with a provision for deemed acceptance if not processed within this period, excluding time taken for observations or applicant rectifications.

The rules introduce several new obligations and rights for home stay owners. They must maintain a register for tourists, issue stamped bills, and offer online payment facilities. For foreign tourists, owners are required to transmit Form C as per the Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1992, and Foreigners (Report to Police) Orders, 1971. Furthermore, home stay owners are encouraged to provide basic fire equipment, strive for rainwater harvesting systems, promote Himachali handicrafts and architecture, ensure safe and hygienic food, and pay minimum wages to their workers. The installation of CCTV cameras in common areas is also mandated. Incentives include domestic rates for power and water supply for 'Silver' category home stays, while 'Diamond' and 'Gold' categories will be charged commercial rates. A 10% discount on registration fees is offered for three-year upfront payments, with an additional 5% discount for women owners. Existing tourism units operating under the Incredible India Bed & Breakfast Establishments/Homestay Establishments scheme or the Himachal Pradesh Home Stay Scheme, 2008, must apply for registration under these new rules within 30 days of their commencement and fulfill all prescribed requirements within 90 days to avoid cancellation. The rules also grant powers of entry and inspection to the prescribed authority or authorized officers to ensure compliance, with provisions for seizing documents in cases of suspected evasion. The provisions of these rules are stated to be in addition to, and not in derogation of, any other existing laws or rules.

Keywords: Himachal Pradesh, Home Stay Rules, Tourism, Registration, Delegated Legislation, Accommodation, Regulations, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development and Registration Act, 2002, E-Services Portal

Geo Tags: India, Himachal Pradesh District: Not Applicable