Pilot Program for Short-Term Apartment Rentals in Ho Chi Minh City: HCMC Department of Construction Submits Report to People’s Committee

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction has submitted a report to the People’s Committee regarding the pilot program allowing short-term apartment rentals in condominiums. According to the report, the department has finalized a draft guideline for this model and sought feedback from relevant departments, district authorities, and special zones. If approved, the Department of Construction will collaborate with related agencies to publish a list of eligible condominiums for short-term rentals.

However, during the consultation process, the Department of Construction received numerous feedback documents, petitions, and letters from residents, apartment owners, management boards, and property management companies. The opinions clearly highlight a divide between two groups: long-term residents and owners operating apartments as tourist accommodations.

Most residents and management boards oppose the short-term rental model. They urge the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee to maintain the regulations outlined in Decision 26/2025/QĐ-UBND, which prohibits using condominium apartments for short-term accommodations in any form. Their reasoning is that such activities disrupt communal living environments, affect shared amenities, and pose security risks.

Some management boards also recommend stricter inspections and penalties for illegal rentals to ensure a stable living environment for residents.

In recent dialogues between the Department of Construction, the Ho Chi Minh City Trade and Investment Promotion Center (ITPC), and condominium representatives, many voiced strong opposition to short-term rentals. Residents expressed concerns that frequent guest turnover would be difficult to manage, directly compromising community safety.

A survey by reporters from the Labor Newspaper found that most residents in several condominiums oppose short-term rental services. Ms. Ha Dinh, Chair of the Vinhomes Central Park Management Board, stated that the majority of residents in her complex reject short-term rentals due to safety and order concerns.

A director of a condominium management company also noted that residents face significant disadvantages if short-term rentals become widespread. He emphasized that the legal framework for this model requires further clarification. Regardless of the outcome, he stressed that new regulations must ensure residents’ acceptance and protect collective interests.