The registration requirements for short term rentals in Tanzania vary by location:

1. Mainland Tanzania: Short-term rentals are regulated by the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT).Short-term rental hosts may need to register with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) for tax purposes and comply with local municipal regulations, but they are not neccessarily required to obtain a license. The board focus mainly on the licensing and regulation of tourist accommodations including lodges, hotels, and camps under the Tourism Act No. 29 of 2008 and related regulations.
   
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2. Zanzibar: The Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) regulates STRs, and hosts must obtain a tourist accommodation license.
   
   Process for Obtaining a Permit for Short-Term Rentals:
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   1. Required Documents:
   • Proof of property ownership or a letter of consent from the landlord.
   • A valid business license (if operating as a commercial entity).
   • Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the TRA.
   • Health and safety compliance certificates (e.g., fire safety, hygiene).
   • ZCT approval (for Zanzibar).
   2. Steps to Obtain a Permit:
   • Step 1: Visit the local municipal office or tourism board in Zanzibar.
   • Step 2: Submit the required documents and complete the application form.
   • Step 3: Pay the applicable fees (see below).
   • Step 4: Await inspection and approval from the relevant authority.
   3. Associated Fees:
   • Registration Fees: Vary by location but typically range from TZS 100,000 to TZS 500,000 (approx. $40–$200 USD).
   • Annual License Fees: In Zanzibar, tourist accommodation licenses can cost between TZS 500,000 and TZS 2,000,000 (approx. $200–$800 USD), depending on the property size and type.
   • Inspection Fees: Some regions charge for property inspections.
     
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The requirements vary depending on the property location and ownership. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Permission from Landlords:

• If the host is a tenant, they must obtain written consent from the landlord to sublet the property for short-term rentals. Most lease agreements prohibit subletting without prior approval, and violating this can lead to eviction or legal action.

2. Permission from Local Councils:

• Hosts must comply with local government regulations, which may include:
  • Registering the property with the municipal council.
  • Obtaining a business license or tourist accommodation permit.
  • Paying applicable fees and taxes (e.g., property tax, tourism levy).
• The requirements outlined above applies mainly to Zanzibar, hosts must register with the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) and obtain a tourist accommodation license.

3. Permission from Neighbors:

• While not always a legal requirement, obtaining neighbor approval is advisable to maintain good relations and avoid disputes.

Yes, the following taxes applies to both third party platforms, hosts and guests;

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There is no national tourism levy, instead the tourism taxes that applies varies on the mainland and Zanzibar. This charge is typically paid by hosts and included in the guest’s accommodation bill as part of the tourism regulations, as discussed above.

On the mainland, the tourist tax is known as the Tourism Development Levy (TDL), and it is collected by the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB). It is charged at 1% per bed-night on all tourism-related services, including short-term rentals.

In Zanzibar, the equivalent tax is the Hotel Levy, which is administered and collected by the Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA). The levy amount depends on the accommodation rate: lower nightly rates are subject to a fixed U.S. dollar charge, while higher rates are calculated as a percentage of gross sales. Generally, the levy is about $5 per night for 5-star hotels, $4 per night for 2–3-star hotels, and $2 per night for 1-star hotels.

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Short-term rental (STR) properties in Tanzania must adhere to specific health and safety standards to ensure the well-being of guests and compliance with local regulations. While these standards may vary slightly by region, the following are the key nationwide requirements:

1. Fire Safety:

• Fire Extinguishers: Properties must have functional fire extinguishers installed in accessible locations.
• Smoke Detectors: Smoke alarms are recommended, especially in multi-unit buildings.
• Emergency Exits: Clear and marked emergency exits must be available, particularly for larger properties.

2. Hygiene and Sanitation:

• Clean Water Supply: Properties must provide access to clean, potable water.
• Waste Disposal: Proper waste management systems, including garbage collection and disposal, must be in place.
• Cleanliness: Regular cleaning and maintenance of the property are mandatory to ensure hygiene.

3. Structural Safety:

• Building Compliance: The property must meet local building codes and regulations, including structural integrity and electrical safety.
• Ventilation: Adequate ventilation must be provided in all rooms, especially kitchens and bathrooms.

4. Health Certifications:

• Food Handling: If the property offers food services, hosts must obtain a food handling certificate from local health authorities.
• Pest Control: Regular pest control measures must be implemented to prevent infestations.

5. Security Measures:

• Locks and Safes: Properties must have secure locks on doors and windows. Safes for guest valuables are recommended.
• Lighting: Adequate outdoor and indoor lighting, especially in common areas, is required for safety.

6. First Aid:

• First Aid Kits: A well-stocked first aid kit must be available on the premises.

Enforcement and Penalties:

• Hosts who fail to meet these standards may face fines, license revocation, or closure of the property.
• In Zanzibar, the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance.

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In Tanzania, online platforms facilitating short-term rentals (STRs), such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, are generally not directly responsible for ensuring that individual listings comply with national laws and regulations. However, they are expected to operate within the legal framework and may have internal policies to promote compliance.

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Tanzania does not have any anti-discriminate law specific for the tourist accommodation industry but it upholds equality and accessibility through several laws. The Constitution (Article 12) prohibits discrimination; the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2010 promotes accessibility and equal treatment across public and private services; and the Fair Competition Act, 2003 forbids discriminatory business practices. In tourism, both the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) and the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) encourage inclusive and non-discriminatory accommodation practices, even though specific short-term rental rules are not yet defined.

Digital booking platforms are not currently required to share host or guest information with authorities in Tanzania.

As of now, Tanzania does not have a nationwide mandate requiring hosts to have liability insurance for short-term rental (STR) properties. However, it is strongly recommended for hosts to obtain insurance to protect themselves against potential risks, such as property damage, theft, or guest injuries.

Tanzania has several regulations in place to protect culturally or historically significant areas from the potential negative impacts of short-term rentals (STRs). These regulations aim to preserve heritage sites while balancing tourism development. Here’s an overview:

1. Antiquities Act, 1964:

• This act protects heritage sites, monuments, and antiquities by regulating activities around them.
• STRs near such sites may require special permits or face restrictions to prevent damage or over-commercialization.

2. Town and Country Planning Act, 1956:

• This act governs land use and development, including in areas of cultural or historical significance.
• Local authorities can impose zoning restrictions to limit STRs in protected areas.

3. National Conservation Areas:

• Sites like Stone Town in Zanzibar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) have specific regulations to preserve their cultural and historical integrity.
• STRs in these areas may be subject to:
  • Strict licensing requirements.
  • Limits on property modifications.
  • Caps on the number of guests or rentals.

4. Local Government Regulations:

• Municipal councils in areas with cultural or historical significance (e.g., Bagamoyo, Kilwa) may enforce additional rules, such as:
  • Banning STRs in certain zones.
  • Requiring heritage impact assessments before approving STR operations.

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Tanzania has no nationwide sustainability rules specifically for short-term rentals, but hosts are encouraged to follow the country’s broader sustainable tourism policies. This includes proper waste management, energy and water conservation, and compliance with wildlife protection laws in areas near national parks. The Tanzania Tourist Board also promotes eco-friendly practices such as using local products, supporting communities, and educating guests on sustainability. While optional, eco-certifications like Green Key can help hosts show their commitment. In Zanzibar, local efforts include bans on single-use plastics, promotion of renewable energy, and stricter environmental construction standards.

In Tanzania, tenant rights are protected by the Land Act, 1999 and the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1962, which prevent unfair evictions—including those caused by converting homes into short-term rentals. Landlords must give valid written notice, usually at least 30 days, and secure a court order before eviction. Self-help evictions are illegal. Tenants with fixed-term leases cannot be forced out early unless they breach the agreement, and switching a property to an STR isn’t a valid reason to end a lease. Some local governments also restrict landlords from converting residential units into STRs to protect housing availability.

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There is no current obligation for tourist accommodations in Tanzania to report foreign guests to immigration or security authorities.

In Tanzania, online platforms facilitating short-term rentals (STRs), such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, are not explicitly required by law to verify compliance with national regulations before listing properties. However, many platforms have internal policies to encourage or enforce compliance.