Owners of Vacation Rentals: What Does the Future Hold?
Finally adopted by Parliament on November 7, 2024, the law known as the “anti-Airbnb” law imposes strict new rules on owners of furnished vacation rentals. The goal is to strengthen regulation and address imbalances in the rental market in high-demand areas. Here is an overview of the main measures and the penalties involved.
A More Restrictive Framework for a Regulated Market
These new measures aim to rebalance the rental supply in high-demand areas, but they are raising concerns among landlords. Between energy efficiency requirements, administrative formalities, and restrictions on rental durations, the anti-Airbnb law marks a turning point for short-term vacation rentals in France. Municipalities now have stronger tools to regulate this market.
1. Energy Efficiency: Stricter Standards
Furnished vacation rentals must meet the same energy efficiency standards (DPE) as long-term rentals by January 1, 2034. However, in municipalities that enforce regulations on changes in property use, the deadline is moved up to 2025. In such cases, a DPE rating of at least “E” will be required to obtain a rental permit.
Violators face penalties: a daily penalty of 100 euros for failing to provide an energy performance certificate, or a fine of up to 5,000 euros if energy efficiency standards are not met.
2. Requirement to Register with the City Hall
All furnished vacation rentals must obtain a registration number from their city hall by May 20, 2026, at the latest. This measure will allow for better oversight of short-term rentals and applies even in municipalities where the tax on vacant housing is in effect.
Failure to comply with this requirement exposes owners to a fine of up to 10,000 euros. Penalties rise to 20,000 euros in the event of a false declaration or the use of a fake number.
3. Restrictions on Renting Primary Residences
The law strengthens the powers of local governments by allowing them to reduce the maximum number of days a primary residence may be rented to 90 days per year, down from the current 120 days. If this limit is exceeded, property owners face a fine that increases from 10,000 to 15,000 euros.
A More Restrictive Framework for a Regulated Market
These new measures aim to rebalance the rental supply in high-demand areas, but they are raising concerns among landlords. Between energy efficiency requirements, administrative formalities, and restrictions on rental durations, the anti-Airbnb law marks a turning point for short-term vacation rentals in France. Municipalities now have stronger tools to regulate this market.
