When deciding to become an Airbnb Host, it's important to understand the laws that apply to hosting in your area. As a platform and marketplace, we do not provide legal advice, but do want to offer some information that may better help you understand relevant laws and regulations for hosting in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. This list is not exhaustive and should not be considered legal advice, but it should help you get a good idea of the local laws and applicable regulations. If you have questions, you can contact the Licensing Unit of the Delhi Police operating under the Government of NCT of Delhi, NCT Delhi Department of Tourism, Delhi municipal authorities, other urban local bodies of Delhi, or consult a local lawyer.
To begin, you need to check if you need permits, licenses and/or registrations to offer hotel, homestay, guest house, lodging houses, residential hostels, and/or bed & breakfast, etc. services to guests in your state. If you do, the permits, licenses and/or registration requirements may be applicable to your listing before you list on Airbnb. You must comply with the terms of these licenses, permits, and/or registrations.
If you are planning to list any lodging houses, boarding houses, or residential hostels in Delhi on Airbnb, you must first obtain a license from the Delhi Police permitting you to operate such premises. There is an online licensing process and accommodation providers can log into the Unified Portal for Licensing of Eating/Lodging & Boarding Establishments in Delhi website to start or renew applications. You can also review the guidelines for filing an application for grant of license, along with a checklist of necessary documents. You may also visit the Delhi Police E-Licensing website.
The NCT of Delhi (Incredible India) Bed and Breakfast Establishments Act, 2007 (“B&B Act”) provides for registration of bed and breakfast (B&Bs). Registration under the B&B Act is recommended. Under the B&B Act, a B&B is defined as an establishment which provides lodging and food services to guests. If you intend to list a B&B in NCT Delhi, and register under the B&B Act, you must comply with the obligations under the B&B Act. You must ensure it is on a premise only used for residential purposes and that the owner or a person authorized by the owner for its management physically resides there as per the B&B Act.
Various other obligations of owners are mentioned under the B&B Act. The above is not a comprehensive checklist. Please visit the Delhi Department of Tourism website for detailed information on the application submission process, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions relating to registration of establishments under the B&B Act.
In addition to the licenses above, there may be other trade licenses applicable to you. Depending upon the kind of activities you offer, the type of trade license may vary. You can read a little more about them in the Business Licensing in New Delhi article. For instance, if you are using your premises as a residential hostel, lodging house or boarding house, you may need to obtain a license from municipal authorities.
Hosts on Airbnb are responsible for ensuring that all their business and trade licenses are up to date and renewed in a timely manner, and license conditions are adhered to.