Based on the Guidelines for Registration of Homestay Establishments 2025 issued by the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka. Tags like §5(3) point to the clause each rule comes from.
Is homestay registration compulsory in Karnataka?
Yes. The 2025 guidelines say registration is compulsory to operate a homestay anywhere in Karnataka, for homestays already running and for new ones. Registration is under the Karnataka Tourism Trade (Facilitation and Regulation) Act, 2015, usually shortened to the KTTF Act.
A house operating as a homestay without valid registration is treated as illegal, and the guidelines say legal action will be taken against its owners.
What counts as a homestay
A homestay is a privately owned house, including one on a farm or plantation, where the owner or their spouse or children physically live, and which lets rooms to paying guests for boarding and lodging.
- At least 1 and at most 6 lettable rooms.§5(3)
- At most 12 beds in total, and no more than 3 beds in one room, not counting cots for children.§5(3)
- At most 12 adult guests at any time.§5(3)
- No dormitory rooms and no bunk beds.§5(3)
- Guest rooms can be in the main house or in a separate cottage on the same plot, meaning the same survey number.§5(4)
Who can apply
- The owner, or the owner’s spouse or child, applies. If the applicant is not the owner, they attach a government document showing the relationship.Annexure 1
- If the land or house has several owners, the applicant needs a self-attested affidavit from the other owners.§3.1
- An owner of several houses can register only the one they live in.§3.1
- A rented, leased or sub-let house cannot be registered as a homestay.§3.1
- The house must not already be registered as a hotel or commercial establishment, or have taken benefits meant for hotels.§5(27)
How to apply, step by step
- §3.2, §3.3(1)
Step 1: Apply online
Create an account on the Department of Tourism portal, fill in the application, upload the documents and pay the registration fee. The application goes to the Deputy Commissioner of your revenue district. Until the portal is live in your district, the Assistant Director or Deputy Director of Tourism accepts applications directly.
- §3.3(2)
Step 2: Document check
The Assistant Director or Deputy Director of Tourism for your district checks the application and documents, then arranges the inspection.
- §3.3(3)
Step 3: Site inspection
Four officials visit. The Deputy Commissioner’s representative checks ownership and whether it is revenue land. The Superintendent of Police’s representative checks for criminal antecedents and that CCTV is installed. The representative of the CEO Zilla Panchayat or the District Urban Development Cell checks the khata number or property ID. The tourism officer checks everything else.
- §3.3(3), §3.3(4)
Step 4: Approval committee
The tourism officer sends the reports to an approval committee chaired by the Deputy Commissioner. An application cannot be rejected at the inspection stage; deficiencies go to the committee. If it is rejected you are told why, and you can fix the problem and apply again.
- §3.3(5), §3.3(6), §5(22)
Step 5: Certificate
Once approved, the certificate is sent by email or message and can be downloaded from your portal account. Display it at the entrance or reception where it can be seen from a distance.
How long it takes
The certificate must be issued or refused within 45 working days of the application. If no decision is made by then, the application is deemed approved. The guidelines also provide for disciplinary action against officials who fail to submit their inspection report.
Fees, validity and renewal
- The registration fee is non-refundable and is set by government notification. Check the current amount with your district tourism office before you apply.§3.5
- No gram panchayat, urban local body or other government agency may charge any extra fee or cess for registration.§3.5
- Pay online through the portal. Where the payment gateway is not live, pay the District Tourism Development Committee as the tourism officer advises.§3.6
- A registration is valid for 5 years from the date it is issued, and can be renewed for up to 5 years at a time.§3.7
- Apply for renewal at least 3 months before your registration expires. The renewal process is the same as the first registration.§4
What registration gets you
- Property tax, electricity, water and other utility charges at domestic rates, because a homestay is treated as an extension of the household. You still have to pay them and stay tax compliant.§5(2)
- No trade licence from the local authority is needed.§5(2)
- Your homestay appears on the Department of Tourism’s list of registered homestays.§5(1)
- Eligibility for incentives, subsidies and concessions under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024-29, and for state and central schemes.§5(23), §5(24)
What happens if you break the rules
The Deputy Commissioner sets up a Tourism Inspection Committee that can make periodic or surprise visits. A homestay that does not follow the guidelines can have its registration cancelled and be fined, for example for poor hygiene, overcharging guests or unlawful activity.
Claiming to be registered when you are not is a separate offence under Section 25 of the KTTF Act: a fine of up to ₹50,000 the first time and up to ₹1,00,000 after that. Carrying on after being fined can lead to simple imprisonment of up to 3 months, a fine, or both.
Common questions
Do I need a trade licence to run a homestay in Karnataka?
No. Under the 2025 guidelines a registered homestay does not need a trade licence from the local authority, because a homestay is treated as an extension of the household.
How long does homestay registration take?
The approval committee must issue or refuse the certificate within 45 working days of your application. If it does not decide in time, the registration is deemed approved.
How many rooms can a homestay have in Karnataka?
Between 1 and 6 lettable rooms, with at most 12 beds and no more than 12 adult guests at a time.
Can I register a rented house as a homestay?
No. A rented, leased or sub-let house cannot be registered as a homestay. The owner or their spouse or children must own and live in it.
This guide explains the Karnataka government guidelines in plain language. It is not legal advice. The Department of Tourism can revise the guidelines at any time, so check the current version or ask the Assistant Director or Deputy Director of Tourism for your district before you apply.
Written by Excoka Hospitality, Homestay operations team, Udupi. First published .