Noida authorities have moved decisively to curb the operation of unregistered bed-and-breakfast (B&B) units in high-rise residential complexes, issuing notices to over 100 homeowners at Supernova towers in Sector 94. The district administration cited nuisance and security concerns as the main reasons for the crackdown, enforcing provisions under the Sarai Act of 1867. This legislation mandates that any property offering hotel-like accommodation must register and obtain no-objection certificates (NOCs) from the Noida Authority, police, and fire departments, and lays down penalties for violations, including fines and potential disqualification of owners.
Acting on multiple complaints, City Magistrate Vivek Bhadouriya confirmed that the administration identified around 100 properties listed on short-term rental platforms and issued notices requiring the owners to cease operations until proper registration under the Sarai Act was completed. Authorities emphasized that more notices would likely follow to ensure compliance across other residential complexes in Noida.
Short-term rentals in Noida typically operate from studio apartments, often in under-construction societies along the expressway. Many of these units are listed on platforms such as Airbnb, Oyo, and Booking.com, bypassing state-level registration, which creates challenges for law enforcement to monitor activities such as loud parties, drug use, and unauthorized commercial use. The Uttar Pradesh government recently introduced the Bed and Breakfast and Homestay Policy 2025 to formalize these operations. The policy requires all existing units to register by June 9, 2026, offering legitimacy and access to benefits while standardizing operations across the state.
Magistrate Bhadouriya highlighted that in many instances, flat owners lease their units to tenants who subsequently list the properties for short-term stays online, exposing loopholes that allow unregulated rental activity to continue.
Following the enforcement notices, the Supernova Apartment Owners’ Association circulated a directive within its community, warning residents that those listing flats for short-term stays could face legal action, with liability resting on both owners and tenants. Naresh K Nandwani, representative of the association, explained that the three towers of the project—Nova East, Nova West, and Spira Tower—share common gates and premises. While Nova East and West are fully residential, Spira Tower, spanning floors 19 to 43, accommodates commercial activity, including short-term rentals. The mixing of commercial and residential use has reportedly caused disturbances, with rental guests entering and exiting at odd hours, raising security concerns.
Despite these challenges, the demand for short-term rentals remains strong due to a shortage of hotels and guesthouses near business and industrial hubs. Affordability is another factor, as average studio apartment rents in Noida range between ₹35,000 and ₹45,000 per month, compared to ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 in Greater Noida. Furnished units with Wi-Fi and parking charge between ₹3,000 and ₹5,000 per night, making them attractive for visitors seeking temporary accommodation.
Some owners argue that short-term subletting does not equate to running a hotel. One resident of Spira Tower, who operates two 2BHK units as rentals, stated that while the policy enforcement is acceptable if applied uniformly, targeting only certain societies could be perceived as unfair. Nonetheless, the administration’s focus remains on ensuring compliance with legal requirements and safeguarding the interests of long-term residents.
The ongoing crackdown reflects a broader effort to regulate the short-term rental market in Noida, balancing the demand for flexible accommodations with community safety and law enforcement concerns. Authorities continue to monitor compliance and warn that violations of the Sarai Act or state policy could result in stringent penalties for both property owners and tenants, reinforcing the need for registration and proper management of B&B and homestay operations.
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