Over half of the homestays inspected in 6 counties and cities across Taiwan found non-compliant — list of 13 problematic homestays

▲ The Guanshan Guesthouse in Taitung is an unregistered homestay. (Photo / fromthe official Facebook page of Guanshan Guesthouse)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The Consumer Protection Division under the Executive Yuan conducted inspections in November on 24 homestays across six counties and cities nationwide, focusing on four major aspects: building safety management, fire safety, operational management, and standardized booking contracts for guests. Among them, 13 homestays were found non-compliant, with three being unregistered and operating illegally. The Consumer Protection Division has imposed penalties in accordance with the Development of Tourism Act, published the list, and reminded travelers to stay vigilant.

The Consumer Protection Division pointed out,all three unregistered homestays are located in Taitung: Guanshan Guesthouse, Golden Brick Homestay, and Nest House Homestay. They also failed to purchase public liability insurance, which could directly affect guests’ ability to seek compensation in the event of an accident. In addition,Golden Brick Homestay had no fire alarm systems or fire prevention devices installed, while the fire equipment at Guanshan Guesthouse had exceeded its inspection period, posing safety risks to guests. Both have been fined and ordered to make improvements within a set timeframe.

▲ The Nest House Homestay in Taitung is not only unregistered but also lacks public liability insurance. (Photo / captured from Google Maps)

The list of 13 non-compliant homestays and their violations are as follows:

1. New Taipei City – JiuFen Homestay Uncle Xie
Violation: Overcharged booking deposit.(Legally, deposits cannot exceed 30% of the total room price)

2. New Taipei City – Levi Manor Homestay
Violation: Overcharged booking deposit.

3. Hsinchu – Golden Lake Bay Homestay
Violation: Four fire extinguishers overdue for inspection.

4. Hsinchu – Erquan Lakeside Coffee Homestay
Violation: Two fire extinguishers overdue for inspection.

5. Hsinchu – Bawu Mountain Spring Homestay
Violation: Actual room charges exceeded the price registered with government authorities.

6. Miaoli – Wenqiao Mountain Retreat
Violation: Illegal regulations on refunding deposits for canceled bookings.

7. Chiayi – Shanshui Qinghui Homestay
Violation: Elevator lacks usage permit, actual room charges exceeded the price registered with government authorities, overcharged booking deposit, and illegal regulations on refunding deposits for canceled bookings.

8. Chiayi – Shanmingxiu Homestay
Violation: One guest room’s fire alarm fell off, emergency lighting not charged, and overcharged booking deposit.

9. Chiayi – A Courtyard Leisure Homestay
Violations: Two fire extinguishers overdue for inspection, overcharged accommodation deposits, and illegal refund policies for cancelled bookings

10. Taitung – Guanshan Guesthouse
Violations: Operating without legal homestay registration, no public liability insurance, unreported room rates to the authorities, four fire extinguishers overdue for inspection, overcharged accommodation deposits, and illegal refund policies for cancelled bookings

11. Taitung – Golden Brick Homestay
Violations: Operating without legal homestay registration, no public liability insurance, unreported room rates to the authorities,
No fire safety equipment installed (such as fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, or fire alarms), and elevator not authorized for use

12. Taitung – Nest House Homestay
Violations: Operating without legal homestay registration, no public liability insurance, and unreported room rates to the authorities

13. Taitung – Moonbathing Homestay
Violations: Overcharged accommodation deposits