Melaka Heritage Tax Guide for Airbnb Hosts (2026)

Do I Need to Pay Heritage Tax for My Melaka Airbnb?

Yes. In 2026, all short-term rentals in Melaka are subject to the RM2/night Heritage Charge per room. This is separate from the Federal Tourism Tax (TTx) of RM10/night for foreign guests. Ignoring this can result in hefty fines from the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB).

Taxes are boring, but fines are painful. As Melaka's tourism sector matures, the state government is strictly enforcing tax collection to fund heritage preservation.

At iHousing, we automate tax collection and remittance for our owners. If you are self-managing, here is what you need to know to stay out of trouble.

1. The Heritage Charge (Cukai Warisan)

This is a state-level tax applicable to hotels, homestays, and Airbnbs.

Rate: RM 2.00 per room, per night.
Who Pays: All guests (Malaysian and Foreigner).
Collection Method: You must collect this from the guest and remit it to the Melaka State Government bi-monthly.

2. The Federal Tourism Tax (TTx)

This is a national tax enforced by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.

Rate: RM 10.00 per room, per night.
Who Pays: Foreign passport holders only. (Malaysians and PRs are exempt).
Exemption: If you have fewer than 5 rooms registered under one owner, you might be exempt, but you must register to claim this.

How to Collect Taxes Without Annoying Guests

Asking for cash at the door is awkward. Here are the best practices:

Option A: Include it in the Nightly Rate

Mark up your listing price by RM12-15 to cover the taxes.
Pros: Seamless guest experience. No cash handling.
Cons: Makes your listing look more expensive on search results.

Option B: The "Resolution Center" Request

After booking, send a request via Airbnb Resolution Center for the tax amount.
Pros: Keeps the base price low.
Cons: Guests might refuse or forget to pay.

Option C: Cash on Arrival

Pros: Immediate cash flow.
Cons: Guests hate this. It feels like a scam. They often don't have small change.

The Cost of Non-Compliance

The penalty for evading Heritage Tax can be up to RM 5,000 or revocation of your business license. MBMB officers conduct random audits, often posing as guests to check receipts.

Sample Calculation (2-Bedroom Condo)

Let's say you host a family of 4 (Foreigners) for 3 nights at The Shore.

Item	Calculation	Total to Collect
Heritage Charge	RM 2 x 2 Rooms x 3 Nights	RM 12.00
Tourism Tax (TTx)	RM 10 x 2 Rooms x 3 Nights	RM 60.00
Total Tax Due		RM 72.00

iHousing's Automated Solution

Managing tax filings is a headache. iHousing simplifies this:

Automated Collection: We configure the platforms to collect taxes automatically where possible.
Monthly Reporting: We generate a tax report for you.
Filing Assistance: We guide you on how to submit payments to the local council.

Don't let tax compliance ruin your investment. Let us handle the paperwork.

Get Tax Compliance Help