Opening a guesthouse can be a lucrative endeavour, but before taking the plunge and converting a residence into a financially rewarding business, there are important steps to be followed and considerations to be taken into account.
When it comes to setting up a new guesthouse, careful prior planning should be seen as a non-negotiable. This will go a long way to ensuring all processes are followed correctly and avoiding any obstacles, unforeseen complications or penalties.
Application Process
Once the basic structure of your guesthouse has been outlined, you will need to approach the local municipality to ensure that local planning regulations do not prohibit the establishment of a guesthouse in the relevant area. Municipal by-laws and regulations will have to be thoroughly researched to ensure that the proposed conversion of a residence into a guesthouse may proceed.
A detailed application must be submitted to the local municipality, including setting out the size and sustainability of the premises. While the process and application requirements are largely the same for all provinces, it is still advisable to approach the local municipality for details regarding requirements, necessary forms to be submitted and recommended supporting documents.
The Senior Property Managing Officer at the local council will deal with the application and motivational letter upon submission.
Source - Snymans Inc Attorneys
