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.
Guests and records
- Keep a check-in and check-out register, on paper or electronic, with a copy of each guest’s ID showing address and date of birth.§5(11)
- Record passport details for foreign guests and submit them to the police as the police department prescribes.§5(11)
- Keep a feedback register at the reception, main entrance or reservation desk.§5(12)
- Keep a complaint register that records the action taken on each complaint.§5(12)
- Explain the facilities and what they cost to guests clearly. This is the owner’s or their family’s job.§5(7)
- Make sure guests do not cause a nuisance or disturb neighbours, and report any illegal activity by guests to the police.§5(13), §5(26)
Safety
- CCTV at the reception, with footage kept for at least 30 days.§5(10)
- Display the contact details of the police, fire, forest and other local authorities and the nearest doctor or hospital, and give them to guests at check-in.§5(17)
- Keep rooms clean and in good condition, and follow the prescribed quality, health, hygiene and fire safety measures.§5(9)
- Take suitable precautions for any activity offered outside the homestay after sunset.§5(16)
Rooms and food
- No more than 6 rooms, 12 beds, 3 beds per room or 12 adult guests at a time. No dormitories and no bunk beds.§5(3)
- No rooms let on a time share basis.§5(6)
- An attached bathroom for every room is recommended, not required.§5(5)
- Breakfast is mandatory. Other meals can be offered on request and charged for. Including breakfast in the room rate and serving local food are both recommended.§5(8)
What goes on the wall
- The registration certificate, at the reception or main entrance, visible from a distance.§5(22)
- The emergency and local authority contacts.§5(17)
Bills and taxes
Property tax, electricity, water and other utilities are charged at domestic rates, and you remain responsible for paying them and for your own tax compliance. Electricity is billed under the KERC tariff schedule LT-1 or LT-3(a), whichever applies.
Recommended, not required
- Local decor, local food and local activities.§5(14)
- Tie-ups with reputable local tour operators, travel agents and transport operators.§5(15)
- Proper waste management, segregation, recycling and renewable energy.§5(18), §5(19)
- Hiring locally and buying from local vendors where you can.§5(21)
Inspections
A Tourism Inspection Committee set up by the Deputy Commissioner can make periodic or surprise visits and checks you against the undertaking you signed when you registered. Not keeping to the rules can lead to cancellation of the registration and a fine.
Common questions
Is breakfast compulsory in a Karnataka homestay?
Yes. The 2025 guidelines make breakfast mandatory. Other meals can be offered on request and charged separately.
Is CCTV mandatory for homestays in Karnataka?
Yes. A homestay must have CCTV at the reception and keep the footage for at least 30 days. The police representative checks for it during the registration inspection.
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 .