Homestay Rules: What You Need to Know Before Staying or Hosting

When you book a homestay, a private home where guests stay with a local host, often for cultural exchange or affordable lodging. Also known as home stay, it’s not just a cheaper alternative to a hotel—it’s a lived-in experience with real boundaries. Unlike hotels, homestays come with rules. Not because hosts are strict, but because they’re living there too. Your host’s kitchen, their quiet hours, their laundry schedule—they’re not suggestions. They’re part of the deal.

Homestay rules aren’t made up. They’re shaped by local laws, neighborhood norms, and the host’s daily life. In places like Mumbai, where homes are often multi-generational, noise after 10 PM can mean disturbing a grandparent sleeping in the next room. In other cities, it’s about fire safety—no candles, no unattended cooking. Some hosts limit guests to the number of people listed on the booking. Others require you to clean up after yourself, especially in shared spaces. These aren’t arbitrary. They’re about respect, safety, and keeping the peace.

And it’s not just guests who need to follow rules. Hosts have responsibilities too. They must provide a safe, clean space. That means working locks, clean bedding, and clear instructions. If they’re collecting payments, they need to be transparent about fees. If they’re banning pets or smoking, it should be stated upfront—not hidden in a tiny footnote. Good homestay hosts treat their space like a shared home, not a rental unit. And good guests? They treat it like their own.

Some people think homestay rules are outdated. That you can just wing it. But the reality is, a single violation—a loud party, an unregistered guest, a broken appliance left unreported—can get a host fined, a guest kicked out, or an entire listing removed. Cities like Mumbai are cracking down on unregistered rentals. What looks like a casual stay could be a legal risk if the rules aren’t followed.

Below, you’ll find real examples of what works—and what doesn’t—in homestays around the world. From how many people can legally sleep in a room to what happens when a guest overstays, these posts cut through the noise. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you book, host, or show up at someone’s door.