Lucknow, June 23 -- The state government has amended the Bed & Breakfast (B&B) and Home Stay Policy-2025, introducing clearer eligibility criteria, operational safeguards and an online self-renewal system for registered units. Under the revised policy, home stays in urban areas will be limited to residential properties that are either self-owned or leased from development authorities. The owner or a family member must reside on the premises, reinforcing the residential character of home stays and preventing their use as commercial establishments. The amendments also revise capacity norms. A registered home stay can now offer between one and eight rooms with a maximum accommodation capacity of 16 beds, providing greater flexibility to operators while retaining occupancy limits. To strengthen management standards, the policy makes it mandatory for a caretaker to reside on the premises. For leased properties, the minimum lease period has been fixed at three years. Only residential buildings and lease-hold residential properties will qualify under the scheme, while hotels, motels and guest houses remain ineligible. The revised framework also permits operators to rent out up to eight rooms within a residential property. Dormitory-style accommodation with up to 16 beds will be allowed, subject to compliance with prescribed norms. Director general Tourism Vedpati Mishra said the changes are aimed at improving ease of compliance. Registered units will now be able to renew their registration online through a self-renewal facility available on the portal three months before the expiry date, ensuring uninterrupted operations and reducing administrative delays....