The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has announced strict new rules for Paying Guest (PG), Hostel, Lodging, or Homestay owners in Gujarat operating within city limits.
This move comes in response to increasing complaints from residential societies and aims to bring all rental accommodations under standardized safety, zoning, and civic control.
These rules are now mandatory and must be complied with within 30 days, or you are at risk of having your operations shut down.
What’s Changing?
Under the new AMC policy, PGs and hostels are now formally categorized under “Hospitality.” This shift means you’re expected to meet the same standards as hotels – fire safety, zoning, infrastructure, and sanitation included.
Here’s what the new regulations demand:
New AMC Rules Checklist :
1. Compulsory Permissions
You must obtain approvals from ALL of the following:
- Police Department – for tenant verification & law enforcement clearance
- Fire Department – including a safety audit and a valid Fire NOC
- AMC Estate Department – for compliance with land use and layout
- Housing Society – A written No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your society is now mandatory
Deadline: You have 30 days from the release of the SOP to secure these permissions.
2. Zoning & Plot Requirements
- PGs, hostels, and lodgings must now fall under hospitality classification.
- Permitted only if the plot faces a road:
- Minimum 9 meters wide for PGs and hostels
- Minimum 18 meters wide for lodging & boarding
- Minimum 9 meters wide for PGs and hostels
3. Development & Building Use (BU) Permissions
Regardless of how long you have been operating, you must re-apply for the following permissions:
- Development Permission (DP): This permission is required for any construction or modification to the building.
- Building Use (BU) Approval: This approval certifies that the building is safe and suitable for its intended use as a PG, hostel, or lodging.
No operations will be considered legal without these permissions. Ensure that you initiate the application process immediately to avoid any disruptions.
4. Parking Norms
Adequate parking space must be reserved for tenants. The required area depends on the type of operation:
- PGs: 20% of the built-up area must be reserved for tenant parking.
- Lodging/Boarding: 30-50% of the built-up area must be reserved for tenant parking, depending on the Floor Space Index (FSI) of the property.
5. Room & Infrastructure Requirements
You must meet specific standards for rooms and infrastructure to ensure the safety and comfort of your residents.
- Room Requirements:
- Proper Ventilation: All rooms must have adequate ventilation to ensure air quality and prevent the buildup of stale air.
- Attached Bathrooms: All rooms must have attached bathrooms for the convenience and privacy of the residents.
- Proper Ventilation: All rooms must have adequate ventilation to ensure air quality and prevent the buildup of stale air.
- Fire Safety Norms: Strict adherence to fire safety norms is mandatory, including:
- Fire Extinguishers: Strategically placed fire extinguishers must be readily accessible.
- Fire Alarms: You must install a functional fire alarm system to alert occupants in case of a fire.
- Emergency Exits: Clearly marked and easily accessible emergency exits must be provided.
- Fire Extinguishers: Strategically placed fire extinguishers must be readily accessible.
6. Homestay Operators
Homestay operators must comply with the Gujarat Tourism’s Homestay Policy.
- Registration: Register your property under Gujarat Tourism’s Homestay Policy .
- Proof of Compliance: Submit a copy of the tourism registration to the AMC as proof of compliance.
By adhering to these new regulations, you can ensure the safety, legality, and smooth operation of the PGs, hostels, and lodgings within the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation limits.
It is crucial to take immediate action to comply with these requirements to avoid penalties and ensure the continued operation of your business.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
AMC has clearly stated that non-compliance will result in the closure of the PG/hostel/lodging. There is no provision for regularizing operations beyond the 30-day window.
This means:
- Authorities can seal your property
- You may face immediate legal action
- Tenants can be forced to vacate without notice
How RentOk Can Help You Stay 100% Compliant
Don’t panic, RentOk is here to simplify it all. We’ve already helped hundreds of PG and hostel owners manage compliance, and we’re ready to help you too.
RentOk will connect you with the legal services for you to get:
- Police & Society NOC Filing Support
- Fire Audit Coordination & NOC Procurement
- BU & DP Application Guidance
- Tourism Approval Filing for Homestays
- Parking & Plot Zoning Check
Final Words:
Running a PG or hostel is no longer just about rooms and rent anymore. The new AMC SOPs are more than just new regulations it is a step towards safer, cleaner, and more professional accommodation in Ahmedabad.
Whether you run a 5-room homestay or a 50-bed hostel, legal compliance is no longer optional.
Let RentOk be your compliance partner – fast, reliable, and built for PG owners like you.
FAQ
Q1. I’ve been running a PG for years. Do I still need to apply again?
Yes. You must reapply for permissions, even if the authorities previously approved your property.
Q2. Is society NOC compulsory if I’m not in a gated society?
No. You need a society NOC only if your property is in a residential society. You may be exempt if you operate from an independent bungalow or a commercial building.
Q3. What is the process for getting fire clearance?
You need to conduct a fire safety audit, install necessary equipment (as per norms), and apply for a Fire NOC through the Fire Department.
Q4. What if I miss the 30-day deadline?
AMC may initiate action like sealing the property, issuing fines, or revoking your utility connections.
Q5. Can RentOk handle all compliance work for me?
Yes! From start to finish, RentOk takes care of documentation, liaisoning, and compliance tracking for you.