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The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee recently issued Decision No. 26/2025 on the management and use of apartment buildings, which includes a notable provision on tightening the management and use of apartment buildings, especially the short-term rental of apartments for tourism purposes. Accordingly, regarding the operation of apartments for tourism rental (short-term rentals, daily rentals, hourly rentals, Airbnb, etc.) in apartment complexes, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee stipulates that only construction projects with mixed-use purposes (tourism apartments) are permitted to operate such rentals. Organizations and individuals providing tourism accommodation services must meet the conditions and regulations regarding conditional investment and business sectors; and register temporary residence for rentals as required.
For apartment buildings, regulations stipulate that the apartments can only be used for residential rental purposes and absolutely not for any other purpose (short-term tourist stays, Airbnb, etc.). Landlords must sign a rental contract with tenants. While notarization of the rental contract is not mandatory, it will serve as the basis for determining the responsibilities of both parties. Tenants who use the apartment for other purposes will be held accountable. Furthermore, the new regulations require the management board and building management to use the rental contract as a basis for ensuring tenants comply with the rules and regulations governing the management and use of the apartment building to maintain security and order.
The model of renting apartments for short-term tourist stays is booming in Ho Chi Minh City. Supporters of this model say that apartments offer convenience such as spaciousness, the ability to accommodate multiple people, and the comfort of cooking and living together as if they were at home. In particular, the rental price of an apartment is cheaper than other traditional accommodation options, saving costs for companies, especially those that often travel in groups and stay for extended periods.
Responding to customer demand, the market for short-term apartment rentals in Ho Chi Minh City has boomed in recent years. Areas experiencing this boom are typically central locations with convenient transportation, and apartments are in the mid-range to high-end segment, concentrated in districts such as District 1, District 4, and Binh Thanh.
However, along with that, the renting process also causes many negative consequences affecting the security of the apartment building and the lives of residents. Residents say that the constant coming and going of tenants causes disorder in the building, especially with short-term rentals by companies and businesses. The frequent movement of short-term tenants in the building lobby and hallways, and their use of amenities such as elevators, swimming pools, and gyms, affects the quality of life for residents. Many short-term tenants lack awareness of protecting shared property. In addition, frequently encountering strangers in the building can lead to feelings of anxiety and insecurity for residents.
Short-term rentals can drive up housing prices and reduce the opportunity for those who genuinely need housing to own a home. Similarly, concerns arise regarding security and amenities in residential areas, as well as tax issues and the safe management of rental transactions. Therefore, the ban is supported by many residents of these buildings. However, experts believe the ban will affect the market for mid-to-high-end apartments in the city center. Apartment prices and rental rates will also be affected in the short term.
