Short-term rental in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu offers owners a varied map. Chennai is a working city with steady demand from IT parks, the automotive belt, hospitals and families visiting relatives. In the Nilgiris, Ooty and nearby Coonoor are classic hill retreats, and Kodaikanal in the Palani hills attracts couples and families escaping the plains. Temple towns and the coast add pilgrims and heritage travellers throughout the year.

Reading the calendar

The hill stations peak when the plains are hottest and around school holidays, then again for festive breaks. Chennai stays even through the year but slows during the north-east monsoon towards the end of the year, when heavy rain can disrupt travel. Guests in the hills want fireplaces or heaters, warm bedding and parking; in Chennai they want air-conditioning, a lift and proximity to their office or hospital.

Rules to know

Tamil Nadu has issued Guidelines for Registration and Classification of Bed & Breakfast and Homestay Establishments (2022), and registration is compulsory to operate either type. The two categories differ on who lives on site:

• Homestay: the owner physically resides in the premises; up to three rooms (six beds).
• Bed & Breakfast: an agent or operator may run the unit instead of the owner, under a special authorisation from the owner; up to six rooms (twelve beds).

The B&B category is therefore the relevant one for an owner who lives elsewhere. The Department of Tourism handles registration, and certificates must be renewed.

Sources: Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu – Guidelines for Registration and Classification of Bed & Breakfast and Homestay Establishments, 2022 (tntourismtors.com).

Areas in Tamil Nadu

Useful for owners in Tamil Nadu