Vung Tau suffers because of homestays.

A survey conducted in Vung Tau City revealed that there are 43 villas and 435 apartments for tourist rentals currently operating in the area, but according to the assessment, most do not fully meet the legal requirements and regulations.

"This type of accommodation business tends to develop rapidly and risks disrupting the development of the tourism economy as well as affecting local revenue collection. It also seriously impacts public security, fire prevention, urban order, and food safety… Therefore, effective solutions and immediate measures are needed to rectify the situation," said Mr. Hoang Vu Thanh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Vung Tau City.

The cause of this situation is believed to be that the owners of villas and apartments are not present at the business location, and transactions are conducted online, leading to tax revenue losses. Meanwhile, customers can rent services without declaring their names, ages, or the number of people, unlike traditional hotels, making it more difficult to control. In many cases, authorities find it difficult to investigate violations when the homeowner and the renter claim to be relatives. Importantly, local authorities have not yet developed appropriate methods to manage this type of business.

Most dangerously, these homestays have become hotspots for drug use and trafficking. Specifically, from 2018 to the present, the Vung Tau City Police have discovered 54 establishments and 289 individuals violating regulations during inspections of homestays. Of these, 15 cases involving 29 individuals have been prosecuted, and 260 individuals have been fined or ordered to undergo drug rehabilitation.

Mr. Nguyen Lap, Chairman of the People's Committee of Vung Tau City, requested that relevant agencies conduct thorough assessments when granting permits, avoiding leniency regarding minimum area and minimum number of people per apartment, in accordance with the Housing Law. He also urged the immediate development of a software system to manage those renting homestays.

PV