LUCKNOW, June 4 -- A parallel hospitality sector operates largely unchecked in residential neighbourhoods across the city as bnb-style rentals in Lucknow witness rapid growth. Hundreds of these accommodations function without approvals, highlighting the lack of coordinated enforcement. Officials from the tourism department claim that only around 20 properties in the city have received approval to operate as homestays or B&B units. However, online booking platforms continue to list numerous apartments and residential units for short-term stays in prime localities, including Gomti Nagar Extension, Vibhuti Khand, Sushant Golf City, Indira Nagar, Aliganj and Krishna Nagar. The rentals, available at rates ranging from Rs 1,800 to Rs 5,000 per night, are being offered from residential apartments located in private societies and high-rise complexes. An HT visit to online booking platforms revealed multiple listings from a residential complex situated behind the Dial 112 headquarters in Gomti Nagar Extension. Lucknow Development Authority zonal officer Devansh Trivedi said property owners obtain approval for residential buildings and later use them as short-term rental units because the authority does not have a separate map-approval category for bnb accommodations. A bnb property operator in Vibhuti Khand told HT that he had taken the property on rent - a one-bedroom kitchen unit flat - for around Rs 35,000 per month and offers it online for approximately Rs 2,500 per night, with rates increasing to Rs 3,000 or more during weekends. The state cabinet approved the Uttar Pradesh Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Policy 2025 to promote regulated and affordable accommodation for tourists. . ADM City M.P. Singh said bnb-style rentals are different from government-recognised bed and breakfast (B&B) as well as homestays. The bnbs largely function as mini hotels. Municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar said the Lucknow Municipal Corporation collects taxes from bnb-style properties under the guest house category because no separate tax provision exists for such rentals....