How to make a small rented room look more spacious using furniture and organization
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How to make a small rented room look more spacious using furniture and organization

Residents of rented accommodation often face the problem of limited space and a large number of belongings. When placing a bed, wardrobes, and everyday items in a small room, it quickly looks cluttered and messy. Furthermore, because it is rental housing, people are often afraid to drill into the walls or make permanent changes.

However, with the right interior design and smart organizational tricks, it is possible not only to keep a small room in perfect order but also to make it look visually more spacious and airy.

For walls in a small room, light shades such as cream, light gray, or pastel tones are best, as they reflect light and visually expand the space. It is also recommended to use long, light curtains made of fabrics like chiffon or linen that hang from ceiling to floor to create a sense of greater room height.

It is important to utilize vertical space instead of taking up floor space. For storage, you can use adhesive hooks that do not damage the surface or hangers that attach to the door. This allows you to easily hang bags, coats, and small items, keeping the floor clear.

You should choose multifunctional furniture that performs several tasks. Examples include a hydraulic bed with built-in storage, a storage ottoman bench, and a folding desk that can be folded away when not in use.

The space under the bed should be used wisely: instead of piling things there, flat storage containers or wheeled baskets should be used. In them, you can hide off-season clothing, spare sheets, or shoes, which will help keep the room tidy.

The magical use of mirrors also plays a big role. Placing a large or medium decorative mirror on one of the walls scatters light throughout the room, creating an optical illusion that makes even a small space seem twice as big and brighter.

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Legality of Running a PG Accommodation Business in Houses: New Rules Come into Effect
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Legality of Running a PG Accommodation Business in Houses: New Rules Come into Effect

In cities such as Delhi and Noida, as well as in many other settlements across the country, the PG (Paying Guest) model is gaining popularity. Residents rent out part of their living space to several people in exchange for income. However, an incident involving Satya Niketan has once again highlighted the dark side of this PG model, leading to building inspections in Delhi and the development of new legislative acts to regulate the sector.

The question arises whether a PG can be set up in a private house. Currently, there is no single regulation or clear guidelines for establishing a PG. If you provide accommodation in your home to residents in a residential area, it does not cause problems. The situation changes when the owner provides housing to a large number of people and runs it as a full-fledged business, which requires registration and permits.

Despite the lack of clear rules defining when an activity is considered commercial versus ordinary residence, large-scale PG operation requires mandatory registration. According to an advocate from the Delhi High Court, obtaining permission from the administration and government is necessary to start a PG operation.

When a PG functions for a large number of people, norms regarding the condition of the building, ventilation, fire safety systems, presence of security and a warden, as well as room width, apply. However, if a small number of people are accommodated, the requirements are significantly less stringent.

Regarding PG income, an accountant noted contradictions. If you host several people in your home and receive payment for it, you only need to file a tax return, similar to regular housing rentals. Furthermore, you must undergo a police check and notify the police about the people residing in your home. Standard tax rules apply to the income.

However, if you run a PG on a large scale, you must integrate into the GST system. Usually, if you rent out residential premises in a residential area, you simply file taxes according to the common scheme.

The Delhi government is preparing to bring PG housing units under established norms. Under the proposed 'Paying Guest Accommodation Regulation and Welfare Bill,' new rules are planned to cover PG registration, rent, safety, and complaint resolution mechanisms. Following this, PG operators will have to go through a registration process.

PG operators must obtain an operating license from the local authority within 90 days. This requires obtaining necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the police, municipal council, and local administration. After registration, each PG will be assigned a unique PG Registration Number (PGRN), which will simplify the identification and verification of any PG's legality for both authorities and students. Additionally, in a PG where more than 15 people reside, the installation of CCTV cameras, provision of security, and appointment of a warden will be required.

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