Yes, absolutely. This is the most critical hurdle. If your society's by-laws prohibit commercial activity and they pass a resolution to ban short-term rentals, they have the legal right to stop you. The *Kamaldeep Singh* High Court case affirmed that society rules, passed by a majority, are legally binding on all members. Operating without a written No-Objection Certificate (NOC) is a major legal risk.

You must file Form C. This is a mandatory national security requirement under the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939. You need to first register your property on the official Bureau of Immigration portal (often called the FRRO or FRO portal). Then, for every foreign guest, you must submit their details via Form C online within 24 hours of their check-in. Failure to do so can result in serious penalties.

Most likely not under Section 194-O. That section specifically applies to payments made to *resident* Indian hosts. For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), tax withholding is typically governed by Section 195 of the Income Tax Act and the terms of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and your country of residence. The tax rate can be much higher (e.g., 30% plus surcharges), though you may be able to claim it back. This is a complex area; you must consult a Chartered Accountant specializing in NRI taxation.

Yes. The requirement for a license in Delhi is based on the *activity* of providing lodging for a fee, not on whether you employ staff. The mandatory Delhi Police license for guest houses and lodging houses applies to the operation itself. Being a "DIY host" does not exempt you from this crucial licensing requirement.

No. The GST composition scheme is not available for businesses that provide services through an e-commerce operator (ECO) like Airbnb. If your turnover is below the ₹20 lakh threshold, you don't need to do anything; Airbnb handles the GST. If you cross the threshold, you must register for the regular GST scheme, not the composition scheme.

It is very likely. Operating an Airbnb is considered a commercial activity. Municipal corporations across India have the right to reclassify properties from "residential" to "commercial" based on their usage. A commercial classification almost always results in a significantly higher property tax rate. You should assume this will happen and budget accordingly.

This is a grey area and highly debatable. Section 44AD is for businesses, but income from letting property is often excluded. Section 44ADA is only for specified professions. While you can classify your income as "Business Income" (PGBP), its eligibility for the presumptive scheme is not clearly defined for platform-based short-term lets. You should not assume you are eligible. Consult a Chartered Accountant for advice specific to your situation.

Possibly. Even if it's complimentary, providing food as part of a commercial service can bring you under the purview of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Depending on the scale of your operation, you may need a basic FSSAI registration. It's a low-cost compliance step that provides significant legal protection. To be certain, check the FSSAI portal or with a local food safety consultant.

It's a grey area, but it's safer to get it. The license applies to commercial establishments. Even if you operate only on weekends, you are still engaging in a commercial activity for profit. Authorities often apply existing laws like the Shops & Establishments Act to regulate new business models. To be fully compliant and avoid any risk of penalties, obtaining the license is the recommended course of action.

All establishments offering accommodation must comply with fire safety norms. While a formal NOC might depend on the building's height and size, you are legally required to have basic fire safety equipment like functional fire extinguishers. For a formal homestay registration with the Goa Tourism Dept., they will inspect for safety compliance. It is best to check the specific requirements with the Goa Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services for your property type.

Police verification rules are subject to change and can vary by city. While the state's Homestay Policy outlines requirements for the host's verification, the rules for verifying each guest can be updated by local police commissioners. The safest approach is to always check with the local police station in your specific jurisdiction in Karnataka for the most current guest verification requirements.

Generally, no, but you must manage the funds correctly. The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) allows NRIs to own and inherit residential property in India and to earn rental income from it. The key is that this income must be deposited into an NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account. Repatriating this money abroad has specific limits and tax implications. The act of renting itself isn't a violation, but mishandling the funds can be. Consult a CA specializing in FEMA for proper guidance.