HCMC – The HCMC Department of Construction has proposed a one-year pilot program for short-term apartment rentals, set to commence on September 1.
The pilot program will be implemented in apartment buildings that comply with technical standards and adhere to approved architectural designs, according to the Government news site.
To participate in the pilot program, homeowners must meet several conditions. First, the rental activity must be approved by the apartment building’s residents, including agreement on adjusted management fees.
Additionally, homeowners must register the intended use of their apartments with local authorities, the building management board, and the operating unit.
After the pilot program, the city will evaluate the model’s effectiveness and may propose changes to national regulations, including the Housing Law, Tourism Law, and related legal documents.
According to the Department of Construction, the pilot aims to gradually improve the legal framework to keep pace with the rapid growth of short-term rental services amid rising demand.
HCMC is currently enforcing Decision 26/2025, which restricts apartments to residential use and prohibits rentals by the hour or day. The regulation has faced pushback from short-term rental investors, including Airbnb hosts and some apartment owners.
In light of this, several experts have recommended moving from a strict ban to a regulated pilot model, one that could increase public revenue, support tourism development, and safeguard residents’ rights.
