Registering a homestay or B&B in Maharashtra

Maharashtra layers two systems: a tourism registration from the state, and municipal licensing that matters most in Mumbai. Owners need to look at both, plus their housing society's rules.

Maharashtra is where many of our owner conversations in India start: a flat in Bandra or Powai, a second home in Lonavala, a bungalow in Alibag or Mahabaleshwar. The rules differ depending on whether you are inside a municipal corporation like Mumbai's or in a hill station or coastal village, so we split the question in two.

Layer one: the state tourism registration

The Department of Tourism, Maharashtra lists among its public services under the Right to Services framework a registration and renewal under the Bed & Breakfast Scheme, a registration of homestays under the Tourism Policy-2024, and a separate registration for agri-tourism units under the state's agricultural tourism policy. Farm stays around Nashik or in the Konkan often belong in that last category rather than the homestay one.

The B&B service can be applied for online through the Aaple Sarkar portal, the state's single window for citizen services. A public summary of that service mentions documents such as Aadhaar, proof of ownership, an architect's plan, a neighbours' NOC, a police character certificate and photographs of the property. Treat this as a starting list, not the final one: download the current checklist from the portal on the day you apply.

What we could not confirm on an official text, and what you should therefore ask the Directorate before investing: whether the owner must live on the premises for each category, the room ceiling, the fee and the validity period. These points decide whether a professionally managed flat qualifies at all, so get the answer in writing.

Layer two: municipal licensing in Mumbai

According to Airbnb's own guidance for Maharashtra hosts, premises listed as residential units in Mumbai need a registration under the Shops and Establishments law, which can be applied for online through the BMC website. Bed & breakfast units and lodging houses need a licence from the BMC under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, again through the BMC's online portal. Outside Mumbai, the local municipal council or gram panchayat is the body to ask about trade licences.

Layer three: your building

No tourism registration overrides your co-operative housing society. Some societies restrict short stays or require a no-objection letter. Read the bye-laws, speak to the managing committee, and keep any NOC with your registration file. A conflict with neighbours is the fastest way for a Mumbai listing to end.

Obligations once you host

• Foreign guests: Form-III (formerly Form C) on indianfrro.gov.in within 24 hours of arrival, as required under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
• A guest register with identity details; ask the Directorate which format it expects.
• GST: rooms up to ₹7,500 per night are taxed at 5% without input tax credit since 22 September 2025, above that at 18%. Check your own registration duty with a chartered accountant.
• Renewals of both the tourism and the municipal registrations on time.

Where Hexuvium fits in Maharashtra

We keep every registration in the owner's name and act under a management mandate. In practice we prepare the file with you — ownership papers, society NOC, photos — and then run the listing, guests, cleaning and Form-III. If the Directorate tells you your category requires owner residence, we will adapt our role to supporting you as the resident host rather than managing an empty flat.