Gurgaon: A separate policy for regulating paying guest (PG) accommodation facilities in residential areas has been demanded.The existing policy governing guesthouses “does not cover long-term PG accommodations”, PG Association of Gurugram has argued in a representation to the director general of the department of town and country planning.The association has proposed registration and regularisation of PG facilities operating on plots measuring at least 275 sq yards and located on roads of a minimum width of 12 metres.It also sought clearly defined fire-safety norms and a policy on the lines of those existing in Chandigarh, Delhi, Mohali and Bengaluru, suitably adapted to the city’s requirements.According to the secretary of the association, Amit Kakkar, the city has more than 10,000 PG accommodations offering over 50,000 rooms to employees of various corporate companies.It said most of these facilities operate from residential houses and claimed they do not indulge in commercial activities.The association also highlighted the limited availability of govt-run accommodations, pointing out that there is only one working women’s hostel in Civil Lines in the city.The association said there is currently no specific policy or guideline for PG accommodation in Haryana. In contrast, the state has a guesthouse policy issued in July 2019 and amended in Oct 2020. The policy provides for change of land use on plots of 500 to 1,500 sq yards on sector roads with service lanes, while guest stays are limited to less than 30 days.The association has stressed that PGs and guesthouses are fundamentally different.It said PG residents generally stay for longer periods, often under rental arrangements and that the presence of paying guests does not alter the residential character of a building. It contrasted this with guesthouses, which provide short-term, day-to-day accommodation and may have a more commercial character.The association has also referred to a Supreme Court judgement dated Dec 4, 2025, in the State of Karnataka and another vs Taghar Vasudeva Ambrish and another.According to the representation, SC affirmed the finding that hostels and PG accommodation used for residential purposes by students and working executives fall within the ambit of “residential dwelling”.The association has argued that notices treating such PG accommodation as commercial activity should therefore be reconsidered.Seeking a dedicated regulatory framework, the association said registration could help prevent haphazard development and improve safety, particularly for women working in the city.It also said a clear policy would protect the livelihood of thousands associated with the sector while helping companies provide safe, hygienic and affordable long-term accommodation to their employees.
