Himachal Tightens Rules on Home Stays: Stricter Regulations and Higher Fees Introduced

In a bid to regulate the hospitality sector and control the unchecked rise of bed-and-breakfast (B&B) and home stay units in urban areas, the Himachal Pradesh government has introduced stricter norms, revoking several long-standing relaxations.

The newly framed “Himachal Pradesh Home Stay Rules, 2025,” now published in the state’s official e-Gazette (Rajpatra), mark a significant shift in how private lodging facilities are governed across the state.

One of the most notable changes is the mandatory online registration of all home stays through an e-Services Portal. This move aims to enforce strict standards of accommodation quality, hygiene, and safety while ensuring that unregulated home stays in urban centers do not spiral out of control.

Sharp Increase in Registration Fees

The most striking change in the new rules is the steep hike in registration fees, a revision that industry experts say represents a 300-fold increase compared to previous charges. The new fee structure categorizes home stays based on the number of rooms and location:

For units with four to six rooms:

₹12,000 per year in Municipal Corporation areas

₹8,000 per year in TCP/SADA/NP-regulated areas

₹6,000 per year in Gram Panchayat regions

For smaller units with one to three rooms:

₹8,000, ₹5,000, and ₹3,000 per year respectively, based on location

The renewal fees remain the same as the initial registration charges. Additionally, home stay operators opting for a three-year registration will receive a 10% discount, while women owners are eligible for an extra 5% concession under the new policy.

With these sweeping changes, the state government is clearly taking a tougher stance on home stay operations, aiming to create a more structured and competitive hospitality sector while ensuring that safety and quality standards are met.