How to list your property on Airbnb in France: A complete guide

List your property on Airbnb in France in 7 steps

Listing your property on Airbnb in France involves several practical and legal steps. Here’s how to register and start Airbnb in France:

1. Create an Airbnb account: Sign up for Airbnb in France. This will be your platform for managing your listing, bookings, and interactions with guests.
2. Prepare your property: Ensure your property is clean, safe, and equipped with basic amenities. High-quality photos and a detailed description will make your listing more attractive.
3. Set your price: Research similar listings in your area to set a competitive price. Consider factors like location, size, amenities, and seasonality.
4. Understand and comply with local regulations: France has specific rules for short-term rentals, especially in major cities. Ensure you understand and comply with these regulations (more on this below).
5. Government registration: In some cities, you must register your property with the local town hall. This is mandatory in Paris, for example.
6. Register your property on Airbnb in France: Once your property is ready and you’ve understood the legal requirements, you can publish your listing on Airbnb in France.
7. Manage your bookings: Be responsive to booking requests and inquiries. Good communication and service can lead to positive reviews, which are crucial for attracting future guests.

Rules and regulations to start an Airbnb in France

Starting an Airbnb in France is a promising venture, but it’s crucial to understand the French rules on Airbnb rentals. Do you want to buy a house in France to start short-term rentals? Even though Airbnb is legal in France, hosts must adhere to national and city-specific regulations. These include registering your property in certain cases, especially if it’s not your primary residence, and adhering to rental duration limits. Additionally, understanding and fulfilling tax obligations, including tourist taxes, is essential.

1. Paris: Airbnb rules and regulations

In Paris, Airbnb hosts must register their property to the Town Hall (Mairie de Paris), especially when renting out entire properties. It’s not necessary to register if hosts are only offering a private room for short-term rentals. For those managing multiple listings, each property requires individual registration. It’s not allowed to rent out subsidized housing in Paris without permission.

2. Nice: Airbnb rules and regulations

Nice enforces periodic checks by certified agents to identify fraudulent landlords. Main residences can operate as rentals but are limited to 120 days annually, and earnings are capped at €23,000 ($25,553) per year. Authorization is mandatory for primary residences listed as tourist rentals.

3. Marseille: Airbnb rules and regulations

Marseille’s rules prohibit the commercial rental of entire properties not used as primary residences. All rental contracts are overseen by an official observatory, ensuring compliance with local housing laws. Additionally, rental charges cannot exceed 20% above the median rent for the apartment’s price band.

4. Lyon: Airbnb rules and regulations

In Lyon, the rental of a principal residence must not exceed 120 days per year. Short-term rental authorization is time-limited, not exceeding 9 years, and requires registration at the town hall to obtain a registration number.

5. Cannes: Airbnb rules and regulations

Cannes prohibits renting out main residences for more than 120 days per year. Hosts must declare their furnished tourist accommodation to the Cannes town hall, adhering to local tourism and housing regulations.

6. Toulouse: Airbnb rules and regulations

Toulouse requires hosts to declare their furnished tourist accommodation to the local town hall. Main residences can be rented out for short periods, limited to 120 days per year, with a tourist tax applicable per person per night.

7. Bordeaux: Airbnb rules and regulations

In Bordeaux, main residences can be rented out for up to 120 days annually. Hosts must declare their furnished tourist accommodation to the Bordeaux town hall and apply for a change of use authorization for secondary homes, transitioning them from residential to commercial use.

8. Montpellier: Airbnb rules and regulations

Montpellier mandates registration as a furnished apartment for rent at the town hall. Rental duration is capped at 120 days per year for primary residences, with secondary housing rentals limited to one per fiscal household for six years.

9. Strasbourg: Airbnb rules and regulations

Strasbourg’s regulations limit the number of apartments an owner can list and require a change of use authorization valid for 6 years from the city hall. This is essential for converting a second home from residential to commercial use.

How much are Airbnb taxes in France?

Local and foreign hosts are subject to income tax on their rental earnings. The specific tax rate depends on your total income bracket. For Airbnb in France, hosts must also pay tourist taxes (taxe de séjour), which Airbnb collects on behalf of the hosts and remits to local authorities. The amount of tourist tax in France depends on the property’s location, but is usually around €0.83 ($0.92) per night.

Besides the income tax, hosts must also charge and pay Value Added Tax (VAT). The VAT rate in France is 20%. Airbnb hosts must register for VAT, collect VAT from all their guests, complete the periodic VAT returns, and submit the payment for the VAT they owe to the French government.

Airbnb fees

Anyone can register their property on Airbnb in France without paying a cost. However, Airbnb still charges hosts a fee for using their platform.

For Airbnb in France, this fee is typically a percentage of the booking total, including the cleaning fee (if applicable). This service fee is deducted from the host’s payout, generally around 3%, but can be higher or lower depending on the specific booking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)