Airbnb Laws in Jordan

Airbnb Laws in Jordan

Jordan

Introduction
Introduction to Airbnb in Jordan

Jordan, popularly called the kingdom of time., a country where ancient wonders meet modern charm, is drawing travelers from across the globe, eager to experience its remarkable blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the awe-inspiring city of Petra and the star-studded skies of Wadi Rum to the therapeutic shores of the Dead Sea, Bethany beyond the Jordan, which is a UNESCO site. and the bustling streets of Amman, Jordan’s allure continues to grow. With this rise in tourism, short-term rentals have emerged as a vital part of Jordan’s hospitality landscape, offering visitors a more immersive and flexible way to experience these iconic destinations.

In 2024, the short-term rental market has become a significant economic contributor, with the Jordanian government seeing appreciative revenue growth from this sector. As tourists increasingly seek local, authentic stays, platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Jordan’s local rental sites have become popular booking hubs, allowing travelers to choose from a diverse array of accommodations that suit their taste and budget. The income generated from short-term rentals has not only bolstered the tourism industry but also supported local communities and small business owners.

Overview

Jordan, popularly called the kingdom of time., a country where ancient wonders meet modern charm, is drawing travelers from across the globe, eager to experience its remarkable blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the awe-inspiring city of Petra and the star-studded skies of Wadi Rum to the therapeutic shores of the Dead Sea, Bethany beyond the Jordan, which is a UNESCO site. and the bustling streets of Amman, Jordan’s allure continues to grow. With this rise in tourism, short-term rentals have emerged as a vital part of Jordan’s hospitality landscape, offering visitors a more immersive and flexible way to experience these iconic destinations.

In 2024, the short-term rental market has become a significant economic contributor, with the Jordanian government seeing appreciative revenue growth from this sector. As tourists increasingly seek local, authentic stays, platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Jordan’s local rental sites have become popular booking hubs, allowing travelers to choose from a diverse array of accommodations that suit their taste and budget. The income generated from short-term rentals has not only bolstered the tourism industry but also supported local communities and small business owners.

Property
Overview

It's important to note that, as of now, there is no specific national association exclusively for short-term rental owners and operators in Jordan. Therefore, engaging with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan Real Estate Association would be beneficial for staying informed about regulations and best practices in the STR sector.

Property
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short term rentals
What is Airbnb in Jordan?
What are short Term Rentals in the Country?

In Jordan, short-term rentals are often referred to locally as "مساكن مؤقتة" (Masakin Mo’aqata) or simply "تأجير قصير الأمد" (Tajir Qasir Al-Amad), translating to temporary housing or short-term rental. Short-term rental in Jordan refers to any private residential property or part of a property rented to guests for a temporary period, usually from a single night up to a few weeks or months, depending on the needs of the guest. This type of accommodation offers travelers an alternative to traditional hotels, providing them with a more home-like, flexible experience that may include homes, apartments, villas, and Bedouin-style camps, especially in popular tourist areas like Amman, Petra, and Wadi Rum.

Is Subletting Legal?
Is Subletting Legal in Jordan?

No

National Association for STR Owners
What is the maximum length of stay in Jordan?
What is the maximum length of stay?

In Jordan, there is no nationwide regulation specifying a maximum length of stay for short-term rentals but they are usually rental of a furnished apartment for less than a month.

In popular cities like Amman, Petra, and Aqaba, local regulations do not impose maximum stay durations for short-term rentals. Property owners and guests have the flexibility to arrange rental periods that suit their needs. However, it's important to note that while there are no formal restrictions, property owners should ensure their rental practices comply with any applicable local laws and regulations.

Is there any National Registration Requirement or Permit?

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the process for obtaining a permit for short-term rentals in Jordan would follow the same general licensing framework as other tourist establishments.

  1. Initial Licensing Procedures:
    • Complete the licensing proposal form and provide ownership or lease documentation.
    • Submit site zoning plans, land plans, and zoning scheme approvals.
    • Present certified preliminary architectural blueprints and address environmental impact if applicable.
    • Undergo a physical inspection and Tourism Committee review.
    • If approved, receive preliminary conditional approval valid for two years.
  2. Final Approval and Licensing:
    • Request physical inspection and final classification.
    • Submit detailed architectural blueprints, an occupancy permit, and Civil Defense approval.
    • Provide trade name registration or trademark certificate.
    • Committees review and classify the property before issuing a written notification of licensing.
  3. Final Requirements:
    • Obtain memberships in the Jordan Hotel Association and Jordan Tourism Board (for three-star hotels or higher).
    • Pay all associated fees.

Required Documents:

  • Licensing form, ownership/rent documentation, zoning and land plans.
  • Certified architectural blueprints, occupancy permit, Civil Defense approvals.
  • Trade name registration and tourism body memberships.

Fees:

  • Membership fees for tourism associations and licensing costs.

Timeline:

  • Process completion within one week after document submission.

Next Steps:

  • Confirm short-term rental eligibility with the Ministry of Tourism.
  • Ensure compliance with zoning, safety, and environmental regulations.
  • Budget for all required fees.

Is there a need for Permission from Landlord/Local Council/Neighbors?
Is Short-term rental Income taxable?
Is there any National Tourism Fund or Tourist Tax?
Is there any Guest Registration and Reporting Requirement?
Is there any National Health and Safety Requirements?
Is there any Platform Accountability Requirement?
Is there any Anti-Discrimination Law?
Is there any Data Sharing Requirements?
Is there any National Insurance Requirement?
Is there any National Zoning law/Cultural Heritage law?
Is there any Environmental Regulations that affects STR?
Is there any National Tenant Protection Law?
Is there any Reporting Requirements for Foreigners?
Is there any Digital Platform Regulation Compliance?
Is there any Consumer Protection Law that affect STR?
Is there any Law that applies to Non-resident Owners?
Is there any classification of STR in the country?
Are there Special National Event Regulations?
Is there any Penalty for Violating National Rules?
Are there National Rules or Regulations Governing Short-Term Rentals in Jordan?
Are there National Rules or Regulations Governing Short-Term Rentals in the Country?

1- In Jordan, the Occupational Safety and Health Directorate under the Ministry of Labour oversees health and safety standards across various sectors, including short-term rental properties. There is a need to comply with building and safety requirement before one can get a license in Jordan.

Nationwide Health and Safety Standards and Responsibilities:

  1. Safe Work Environment: Ensures a safe, healthy, and decent work environment free from accidents and injuries.
  2. Compliance Inspections: Conducts inspections to ensure workplaces comply with health and safety legislation.
  3. Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifies and mitigates risks at work sites to prevent accidents.
  4. Labor Rights Protection: Protects labor rights related to occupational safety and health by enforcing labor laws.
  5. Awareness Campaigns: Launches awareness programs and provides guidance on maintaining safe conditions.
  6. Pollution Control: Monitors environmental pollutants in workspaces and provides recommendations for improvement.
  7. Training and Certification: Certifies health and safety personnel and safety committees within organizations.
  8. Work Accident Investigation: Investigates work-related accidents, designs preventive measures, and calculates compensation where applicable.

2- In Jordan, the protection of culturally and historically significant areas from the impacts of short-term rentals is governed by a combination of national laws and local regulations. Key measures include:

  1. Zoning and Land Use Regulations: Local municipalities enforce zoning laws that designate specific areas for residential, commercial, or mixed-use purposes. These regulations may restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in zones containing cultural heritage sites to preserve their integrity.
  2. Cultural Heritage Laws: The Department of Antiquities oversees the protection of Jordan's cultural heritage. Activities that could affect heritage sites, including short-term rentals, are subject to regulations aimed at safeguarding these areas.
  3. Environmental Protection Law of 2017: This law mandates environmental impact assessments for projects near protected areas, which can include cultural heritage sites. Short-term rental operations in such areas may require assessments to ensure they do not adversely affect the environment or cultural landmarks.
  4. Municipal Licensing Requirements: Hosts offering short-term rentals must obtain the appropriate licenses from local authorities. In areas with cultural or historical significance, additional restrictions or requirements may be imposed to minimize the impact on these sites. For example, the Greater Amman Municipality has specific guidelines for home-based businesses, including short-term rentals, to ensure they do not disrupt the character of culturally significant neighborhoods.

Is there any National Tax that affects short-term rental?

There is no national tourist tax in Jordan, instead few cities impose tourist tax on hotels and similar accommodations such as vacation rentals. The tax rate varies usually about 16%.

permits, license
Are there any Permits, Licenses, or Registrations for Airbnb in Jordan?
Are there any Permits, Licenses, or Registrations for Short-term Rentals in the Country?

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the process for obtaining a permit for short-term rentals in Jordan would follow the same general licensing framework as other tourist establishments.

  1. Initial Licensing Procedures:
    • Complete the licensing proposal form and provide ownership or lease documentation.
    • Submit site zoning plans, land plans, and zoning scheme approvals.
    • Present certified preliminary architectural blueprints and address environmental impact if applicable.
    • Undergo a physical inspection and Tourism Committee review.
    • If approved, receive preliminary conditional approval valid for two years.
  2. Final Approval and Licensing:
    • Request physical inspection and final classification.
    • Submit detailed architectural blueprints, an occupancy permit, and Civil Defense approval.
    • Provide trade name registration or trademark certificate.
    • Committees review and classify the property before issuing a written notification of licensing.
  3. Final Requirements:
    • Obtain memberships in the Jordan Hotel Association and Jordan Tourism Board (for three-star hotels or higher).
    • Pay all associated fees.

Required Documents:

  • Licensing form, ownership/rent documentation, zoning and land plans.
  • Certified architectural blueprints, occupancy permit, Civil Defense approvals.
  • Trade name registration and tourism body memberships.

Fees:

  • Membership fees for tourism associations and licensing costs.

Timeline:

  • Process completion within one week after document submission.

Next Steps:

  • Confirm short-term rental eligibility with the Ministry of Tourism.
  • Ensure compliance with zoning, safety, and environmental regulations.
  • Budget for all required fees.

Is there any National Association for Airbnb owners in Jordan?
Is there any National Association for STR owners in the Country?

It's important to note that, as of now, there is no specific national association exclusively for short-term rental owners and operators in Jordan. Therefore, engaging with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan Real Estate Association would be beneficial for staying informed about regulations and best practices in the STR sector.

National Association for STR Owners
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Disclaimer

Lodge compliance is not a licensed tax or financial advisor. Therefore nothing in the above article should be construed as tax, legal, or financial advice. Contact your local tax office for information regarding your personal circumstance.

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