Responsible hosting in India

We encourage Hosts to think carefully about their responsibilities. Hosting offers rich experiences, but it comes with a certain level of commitment. In addition to the Hospitality Standards, here are some ways you can be a responsible host. *

Health and cleanliness

Global information about Airbnb’s five-step enhanced cleaning process can be found in general info about hosting places to stay.

Key recommendations on cleaning

On June 9, 2020, the Tourism Ministry issued operational recommendations for hotels, homestays, farmstays, B&B's, another for restaurants, and a third for other tourism service providers including online and offline Experience Hosts. 

• India’s preventive measures for accommodation providers to contain the spread of COVID-19

General resources

• For general information on India's COVID-19-related guideline

Safety

What can I do to make my space safe for guests?

Emergency procedures

Contact info

Indicate local emergency numbers and the nearest hospital. Provide a clear emergency contact number for yourself, as well as backup, for easy guest reference. Also make clear how you should be contacted if the guest has questions or issues arise.

Supplies

Make a first aid kit easily available.

Fire prevention

Ensure you have a functioning smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector, and that your property meets government safety guidelines for your area (ex: National Building Code or other local building bylaws). Ensure you provide a functioning fire extinguisher and complete required maintenance.

Exits

Ensure you have a clearly marked fire escape route, and post a map in your home.

Minimize hazards

Privacy

Always be mindful of your guests' privacy. Fully disclose whether there are security cameras or other surveillance equipment at or around your listing. Make sure you are aware of and comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Occupancy

Establish safe occupancy limits—your local government may have guidelines.

Access

Go through your home to identify any areas where guests might trip or fall and either remove the hazard or mark clearly. Fix any exposed wires. Ensure stairs are safe and have railings. Remove or lock up any objects that may be dangerous to your guests.

Child-proofing

Ensure your home is safe for children, or else notify guests of potential hazards.

Climate

Ensure your home is properly ventilated and that temperature control is clearly marked and functional. Ensure guests are clear about how to safely use the heater.

Neighbors

How can I be mindful of my neighbors?

Building rules

Ensure you relay your building's common area rules to your guest. You may want to even notify your neighbors that you will have guests, and remind guests not to bother your neighbors (ex: don't knock on their door or buzz them to let you in).

Smoking

If you don't allow smoking, we suggest posting signs to remind guests. If you do allow smoking, ensure you have ashtrays available in designated areas.

Parking

Ensure you relay parking rules for your building and neighborhood to your guest.

Noise

Remind guests about keeping noise down. You may want to consider whether you allow babies, pets, or parties. Develop a policy about guests inviting other people over, and ensure your guests are clear about your "party policy."

Pets

If you allow pets, ensure guests are educated about things like local parks and local customs (ex: cleaning up after your dog). Have a backup plan in case a guest's pet upsets the neighbors (such as the number of a nearby pet hotel).

House Rules

To avoid surprises, you may want to include the information covered above in your House Rules in your Airbnb listing profile.

Permissions

Whom should I notify that I'm hosting on Airbnb?

Contracts

Check your HOA or Co-Op Board regulations to make sure there is no prohibition against subletting, or any other restriction against hosting. Read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. You may consider adding a rider to your contract that addresses the concerns of these parties and outlines the responsibilities and liabilities of all parties.

Roommates

If you have roommates, consider a roommate agreement in writing which outlines things like how often you plan to host, how you'll ensure guests follow House Rules, and even whether you'll share revenue if that makes sense for you.

Neighbors

Consider whether you should notify your neighbors about your plans to host, along with your plan for how to make sure your guests are not disruptive.

Subsidized housing

If you live in public or subsidized housing there may be special rules that apply to you. The manager of the property may be able to answer questions about this.

General regulations

What local regulations apply to me?

Taxes

Ensure you look up any local taxes or business license requirements that may apply. This may include things like hotel/transient occupancy tax, sales, and other turnover taxes such as Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST), or income tax. Be sure to provide your PAN to Airbnb so that the appropriate withholding tax rate applies on your earnings.

PAN Collection and Withholding Tax

Effective October 1, 2020, Airbnb is obligated to deduct 1% of the gross earnings of Hosts who are residents of India, and remit these funds to the Indian tax authorities, per section 194-O of the Indian Income-Tax Act. For more information, you can review the article on PAN collection and withholding tax, or visit the Income Tax Department's website.

If the Indian host has not provided their PAN to Airbnb, we are required to withhold tax at the rate of 5%. Please note, any funds that have already been withheld and remitted to tax authorities are unable to be returned by Airbnb.

To ensure that the 1% rate applies and that taxes withheld are available as a credit to you, please update your PAN. 

Learn more about PAN remittance and withholding tax.

Goods and Services Tax (GST):

0 - 28% of the accommodation charge including any cleaning fee. Tax rates vary based on the average nightly rate of the reservation. Airbnb will remit the entire portion of the GST collected from the guest directly to the tax authorities for hosts whose annual turnover is at or below the GST registration thresholds of INR 20 lakhs or INR 10 lakhs for Hosts whose listings are located in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Hosts whose annual turnover is above the INR 20/10 lakhs thresholds mentioned above are required to remit the entire amount of the GST collected from the guest to the tax authorities. For detailed information, visit India’s government website.

You can read more about guidance on the goods and services tax (GST) for India hosts in our Help Center.

Registration of guests

Local regulations require maintaining a register for guest check-in and check-out records, including passport details for foreign tourists.

Additionally, any Hotel / Guest House / Dharamshala / Individual House / University / Hospital / Institute that provides accommodation to foreigners must submit the details of the residing foreigner in Form C to the registration authorities within 24 hours of the arrival of the foreigner at the premises. The Form C can be submitted online once the accommodation provider completes the registration process. The regulations also require the accommodation provider to complete and maintain the Form B as a corresponding register.

You can read more about guidance on the foreigner registration (FRRO) process for hosts in India in our Help Center.

Permits or registrations

Ensure you look up any permitting, zoning, safety, and health regulations that may apply. The governing authorities that regulate the use and development of property in your area may have useful information on such regulations.

Rent control/rent stabilization

If you live in rent controlled or stabilized housing, there may be special rules that apply to you. Contact your local rent board to ask questions about this topic.

Insurance

Work with your insurance agent or carrier to determine what kind of obligations, limits, and coverage are required for your specific circumstances.

Host damage protection and Host liability insurance

AirCover for Hosts includes Host damage protection and Host liability insurance, which provide you with basic coverage for listed damages and liabilities. However, these don’t take the place of homeowner's insurance, renter's insurance, or adequate liability coverage. You might need to meet other insurance requirements as well.

We strongly encourage all Hosts to review and understand the terms of their insurance policy coverage. Not all insurance plans will cover damage or loss of property caused by a guest who books your accommodation.

Learn more about AirCover for Hosts.

Liability and basic coverage

Review your homeowner's or renter's policy with your insurance agent or carrier to make sure your listing has adequate liability coverage and property protection.

For more information on how Airbnb works, visit our FAQs.

* Please note that Airbnb has no control over the conduct of Hosts and disclaims all liability. Failure of Hosts to satisfy their responsibilities may result in suspension of activity or removal from the Airbnb website.