New regulations concerning private home rental services began Friday under a law covering minpaku (private lodging) businesses, a move that coincides with Japan's efforts to cope with hotel shortages ahead of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in 2020.

The rules are expected to attract more foreign visitors to rural areas while helping municipalities tighten control over unauthorized lodging facilities.

The new law allows property owners in Japan to rent out vacant homes or rooms to tourists for up to 180 days per year after notifying their municipality. But municipal governments can set their own restrictions by ordinance if deemed necessary.