NOIDA: The rise of short-term rentals in high-rise residential areas is raising concerns following complaints about noise, drug use, and unauthorized commercial activities.
Officials have stated that properties listed on online platforms are serving as unregistered guesthouses and party venues, often breaching housing and excise regulations.
During a recent meeting at the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), DM Manish Verma instructed police, excise officials, and other agencies to investigate these properties.
“We need to assess the legality of these rentals,” Verma emphasized. “If someone is renting out a flat for just a few days, it must adhere to the Sarai Act. If alcohol is being served, the owner must also possess a home bar license under UP excise rules.”
The Sarai Act of 1867 aims to regulate the operations of guesthouses, ensuring they meet basic standards and provide necessary amenities for travelers. The Act prescribes penalties for violations, including fines and potential disqualification for owners.
While platforms like Airbnb offer flexible short stays, officials note that the lack of regulation has turned some units into hotspots for disruptive parties and, in certain cases, illegal drug activity.
Excise officer Subodh Kumar remarked that many property owners and brokers are renting out flats on a daily or weekly basis without oversight. “These units, while technically residential, are functioning more like mini hotels or party venues. This poses not just a housing regulation violation but also a threat to law and order,” he commented.
A multi-agency team will now assess residential societies with prevalent listings and will provide a comprehensive report to the district administration.
According to officials speaking to TOI, many short-term rentals are being operated from studio apartments in under-construction societies lacking resident welfare associations or apartment owners associations, complicating monitoring efforts.
Typically, these furnished flats offer Wi-Fi and parking and charge between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000 per night. Presently, there is no formal regulatory framework governing these rentals.
The scarcity of hotels and guesthouses, especially near business districts, makes these short-term rentals appealing for visitors to the city for work purposes.
The average rent for studio apartments in Noida ranges from Rs 35,000 to Rs 45,000 per month, while in Greater Noida, it’s between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000.
Rajiva Singh, president of the Noida Federation of Apartment Owners’ Associations (NOFAA), stated that no residential society in Noida with an active RWA or AOA currently permits short-term rentals. “There was a society in Sector 137 renting out studio apartments via Airbnb, but that ceased once the AOA was elected,” he noted.
Singh also expressed security concerns. “When new individuals come and go every night, who ensures the area’s safety? Unlike tenants, short-term visitors aren’t subjected to police verification,” he added.
Additionally, the DM flagged youth drug abuse as a significant issue. “Drug addiction misguides youth and erodes the social fabric. Every department must collaborate to combat it,” he stated during the meeting.
He highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns targeting schools, colleges, hostels, PGs, and RWAs, along with surprise inspections. Educational institutions will need to submit affidavits asserting their campuses are drug-free.
The administration is also planning to publicly recognize educational institutes committed to maintaining drug-free environments.
