Licences and rules
Kerala Tourism homestay classification: who can apply (2026)
Quick answer
Kerala Tourism classifies homestays as Diamond, Gold or Silver after an inspection. You can apply if it is your own house, you and your family live there, and you give guests 1 to 6 rooms. The fee is ₹3,750, the certificate lasts 3 years, and a classified homestay is billed at the domestic electricity tariff instead of the commercial one.
Who can apply
- Your own house: leased or rented houses are not eligible.
- You and your family physically live in the same house.
- At most 6 rooms for guests, and at most 12 beds.
- The certificate is issued in the owner's name. Since January 2026 a spouse can apply with a power of attorney.
- You do not need a panchayat or municipality NOC to apply (a 2022 government order).
Fee, inspection and renewal
- Application fee: ₹3,750 per homestay, paid online.
- An inspection committee visits and grades the house against Kerala Tourism's checklist. Surprise inspections can follow.
- The classification lasts three years.
- Apply for reclassification three months before it ends. A late application is treated as a new one.
- Display the certificate where guests can see it.
Is it compulsory?
Kerala Tourism's guidelines do not say a homestay must be classified to operate, and no official source we read makes it compulsory. You still need your local body licence and the other approvals in the full licence list.
What classification gets you
A cheaper electricity tariff. Kerala's electricity tariff, in force until 31 March 2027, bills homestays "approved as such by Department of Tourism" under LT-I domestic. An unclassified homestay pays commercial LT-VII (A). Give your classification certificate to KSEB to be moved.
| Monthly use | Domestic (LT-I) | Commercial (LT-VII A) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 units | ₹3.35 a unit for the first 50, ₹4.25 for the next 50 | ₹6.05 a unit |
| Up to 300 units | ₹6.75 a unit | ₹7.50 a unit |
| Up to 500 units | ₹8.25 a unit | ₹8.15 a unit |
| Fixed charge | ₹50 to ₹310 a month per connection, by use | ₹95 per kW a month (single phase), ₹190 per kW (three phase) |
So the saving is largest for a small homestay. At 300 to 500 units a month the unit rates are close, and the saving comes mostly from the fixed charge, which the commercial tariff counts per kW. Electricity duty, fuel surcharge and meter rent are extra on both.
A place on the official list. Classified homestays appear on Kerala Tourism's list of classified homestays.
How to apply
Apply online on Kerala Tourism's service provider classification page.
Official sources
This is a plain guide, not legal or tax advice. Rules change: check with the office named here before you act.