Airbnb Rules in France | Laws, Regulations and Taxes

From the romantic cobblestone avenues of Paris to the sun-drenched beaches of Nice, France offers an array of picturesque settings for you to share with guests from around the globe.

But becoming an Airbnb host in France goes beyond fluffing pillows and providing local tips – it's about creating a welcoming space and ensuring you follow the specific regulations.

General Laws and Regulations for Airbnb in France

Registration and compliance

If you're looking to share your space on Airbnb, the first step is registering your property with the local authorities. This is especially important in urban areas with populations exceeding 200,000.

Once registered, you’ll receive a number that needs to be displayed on your listing, making everything official. For your primary residence, you can host for up to 120 days each year.

Want to go beyond that? You might need to register your place as a commercial property, depending on your local area's guidelines.

Here are some specifics to keep in mind:

• Primary residence (Single room): If you are renting out just a single room in your primary residence, registration is not required.
• Bed and Breakfast or Hotel-like accommodations: Registration is also not required for properties classified as bed and breakfasts (chambres d’hôtes), hotels or similar accommodations.
• Mobility lease: Properties rented under the "bail mobilité" scheme which is for leases of one month to ten months to tenants in certain professional or educational circumstances, do not need registration.
• Long-term rentals: Properties rented for long-term stays of a minimum of one year are exempt from the typical registration requirements.

Tax obligations

Hosts need to declare their earnings from rentals, which are subject to income tax and social contributions and if your earnings are particularly high, you might even meet the threshold for VAT.

Fortunately, Airbnb makes part of this process easier by handling the tourist tax for you. This tax varies depending on where you're located but usually sits at about €0.83 per night.

Insurance and safety regulations

Keeping your guests safe is non-negotiable, which is why having the right insurance is mandatory. This will cover any potential damages caused during a stay.

Also, your property needs to be equipped with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit. These precautions help ensure everyone’s safety and show your guests that you care about their well-being.

Noise regulations

Be mindful of noise levels to keep the peace with your neighbors. France’s regulations require that guests avoid excessive noise from 10 pm to 7 am. As a host, it’s your job to inform your guests of these rules and address any disturbances to maintain a pleasant environment for everyone.

Nationwide rental caps

If you're renting out your primary residence, remember the 120-day annual limit. Going over that might require converting your listing into a commercial rental, depending on local regulations.

This cap helps balance the needs of tourists and local residents, ensuring the long-term rental market stays healthy.

Airbnb in Your City: A Quick Guide to Local Rules

Paris

Paris is not just France’s capital—it’s a world-renowned center for art and history. If you're looking to rent out your entire property in this amazing city, you'll need to register with the Mairie de Paris.

But here's a little perk: if you’re only renting out a private room, you can skip this step. Just keep in mind that the city does have a firm 120-day limit per year for renting out primary residences. Renting subsidized housing is a no-go without proper authorization.

Nice

Nice is a jewel of the French Riviera, offering stunning views and a laid-back lifestyle.

To protect this paradise, the city performs regular checks to prevent fraudulent rental activities. You can rent your primary residence for up to 120 days annually, but your earnings are capped at €23,000.

Make sure any primary residence listed for tourist rentals receives the right authorization to keep things smooth.

Marseille

In the vibrant port city of Marseille, known for its diverse culture and delectable cuisine, you cannot commercially rent properties that are not primary residences.

The city keeps a close eye on rentals through an official observatory, ensuring that rental charges don't go more than 20% above the median price of similar apartments.

Lyon

Lyon, celebrated for its rich history and architectural beauty, allows primary residences to be rented out for no more than 120 days per year.

If you're hosting here, you’ll need to get a time-limited authorization from the town hall which lasts for up to nine years.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux, the wine capital of France, allows primary residences to be rented out for up to 120 days per year.

For secondary homes, hosts need to apply for a change of use authorization, converting them from residential to commercial use.

Cannes

Cannes is synonymous with international glamor, thanks to its famed film festival. Like many other French cities, it limits the rental of primary residences to 120 days annually.

Hosts must declare their property as furnished tourist accommodation, complying with both tourism and housing regulations.

Toulouse

Famous for its distinctive terra cotta buildings, Toulouse requires hosts to declare their furnished tourist accommodations locally.

The same 120-day rental cap applies and a tourist tax is collected per person per night, adding to the city’s efforts to manage tourism responsibly.

Montpellier

Montpellier, known for its vibrant academic and cultural scene, requires all hosts to register their properties as furnished rentals if they're planning on short-term leasing.

This city enforces a 120-day annual rental limit for primary residences, similar to many other French cities.

For secondary residences, you’re allowed just one rental per fiscal household which can be leased for up to six years.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg offers a unique blend of French and German influences and has specific rules to protect its housing market.

Hosts are limited in the number of apartments they can rent out, and converting a second home for commercial use requires a six-year valid change of use authorization from the city hall.

A Bright Future for Airbnb Hosts in France

Hosting on Airbnb in France means more than just opening your home. It's about embracing regulations that protect local quality of life while welcoming guests.

Sure, managing a rental can involve juggling bookings and communication. But with the right tools like Hostaway, an all-in-one vacation rental software, you can simplify these tasks and focus on crafting unforgettable experiences for your guests.

With the right approach, you'll be sharing not just a space, but the true charm of France. Bon voyage!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I register my Airbnb property in France?

You need to contact your local town hall or municipal office to register your property. You'll receive a registration number that must be displayed on your listing. This process is especially important in larger cities or tourist areas.

2. Is there a cap on how much I can charge for my rental?

Most cities don't impose a cap on rental prices for short-term rentals, but it's important to remain competitive within the market. However, in cities like Marseille, rental charges cannot exceed 20% above the median rent for the area's apartment price band.

3. Can I host on Airbnb if I live in a rented property?

Yes, you can host on Airbnb even if you are renting, but you must get permission from your landlord. Be sure to have this permission in writing to avoid any disputes.

4. What are the penalties for not complying with Airbnb regulations in France?

Non-compliance can result in fines, suspension of your listing or other legal actions. It's crucial to adhere to all local and national regulations to avoid any penalties.

5. Can I rent out multiple properties on Airbnb in France?

Yes, you can rent out multiple properties, but each must be registered separately. Some cities may have restrictions on the number of properties you can list, so it's important to check local regulations.