| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — Kerala Tourism homestay classification + local panchayat/municipality license |
| Tax Rate | India GST 12%/18% + Kerala luxury tax for higher-end |
| Permit Fee | Classification fee + local license |
| Penalties | Local authority fines; license revocation |
| Primary Residence Required | No |
| Occupancy Limit | Per unit |
Short-term rentals in Kerala (Statewide), Kerala are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — Kerala Tourism homestay classification + local panchayat/municipality license. The associated permit fees are Classification fee + local license.
Short-term rental operators in Kerala (Statewide) should be aware of these tax obligations: India GST 12%/18% + Kerala luxury tax for higher-end.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Kerala (Statewide) include: Primary residence requirement: No. Occupancy limit: Per unit.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Kerala (Statewide): Kerala Homestay classification; local authority license required.
Hosts who fail to comply with Kerala (Statewide)'s short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Local authority fines; license revocation.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Kerala (Statewide) but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. State government regulates through Kerala Homestay classification scheme. Local panchayat or municipality license also required. Coastal and backwater properties heavily regulated. Strong enforcement
Yes. Kerala (Statewide) requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — Kerala Tourism homestay classification + local panchayat/municipality license.
Short-term rental hosts in Kerala (Statewide) are subject to the following tax obligations: India GST 12%/18% + Kerala luxury tax for higher-end.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Kerala (Statewide) may face enforcement. Local authority fines; license revocation.
Kerala Homestay classification required; local authority license; strong enforcement in Alleppey/Munnar backwaters; GST 12%/18%.
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