HCMC Bans Short-Term Rentals in Residential Apartments
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has officially banned short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb, daily or hourly stays) in residential apartments. Under the new regulations, only mixed-use developments with designated tourism apartments are allowed to offer short-term stays.
This move aims to restore order in apartment buildings, ensuring safety, security, and compliance with housing laws.
Table of Contents
What the New Ban Covers
Permitted:
- Short-term rentals in tourism-designated apartments
- Long-term residential leases with signed contracts
Prohibited:
- Renting out residential apartments for daily or hourly stays
- Running Airbnb-style rental operations
- Using apartments for non-residential purposes
The new policy ensures that apartment buildings remain exclusively for residential living, preventing unauthorized hospitality operations.
Legal Basis for the Short-Term Rental Ban
Housing Law 2023 (effective August 1, 2024): Strictly prohibits using residential apartments for non-residential activities.
Housing Law 2014: Also banned short-term rentals, treating them as hotel operations that require business licenses and tax compliance.
Regulatory Requirements for Short-Term Rentals:
- Business registration & tax filing
- Fire safety compliance
- Tenant registration with local authorities
The new enforcement aims to curb unregulated hospitality businesses and ensure legal compliance.
Why HCMC is Cracking Down on Short-Term Rentals
Despite previous bans, many apartment owners continued Airbnb-style rentals, causing:
- Security concerns – Unregulated tenants increase crime risks.
- Fire safety issues – Non-compliant units pose hazards.
- Community disruptions – Conflicts between residents and short-term renters.
Many apartment complexes have struggled to enforce existing bans, leading to resident complaints about disturbances, unauthorized guests, and building safety risks.
Impact on Landlords & Short-Term Rental Market
Landlords can no longer operate short-term rentals in residential buildings.
Long-term leasing (with contracts) remains legal and encouraged.
For short-term rental investors, alternatives include:
- Switching to designated tourism properties
- Converting rental units to long-term leases
- Investing in commercial hospitality properties
The short-term rental ban aligns with HCMC’s efforts to regulate the housing market, improve residential security, and ensure legal compliance.
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