Can you open an Airbnb in a residential flat?

In Ghaziabad's Vaibhav Khand Windsor Park Society, residents have protested against residents operating Airbnb-like services in their residential flats. Protesters argue that constant movement of outsiders has negatively impacted the community atmosphere and raised security concerns. Ghaziabad's authorities have been informed about the issue, with residents filing a joint complaint to the District Magistrate, Police Commissioner, GDA, Nagar Nigam, and Tourism Department.

Some residents are staying in flats on daily or short-term rentals without proper police verification and registration.

Legal experts caution that operating an Airbnb or homestay from a residential flat is not automatically permissible. If the society's bye-laws or property documents prohibit commercial use or short-term letting, running an Airbnb would be a violation and could lead to legal consequences. Authorities might initiate demolition proceedings, penalties, and legal actions against the property owner.

However, if such activity is not prohibited by governing documents and applicable regulatory requirements are met, the operation may be permissible. Nonetheless, running an Airbnb-type operation without the necessary registration exposes the owner to significant legal risk.