In France, letting a villa as a furnished tourist rental usually requires, depending on the town, a declaration to the town hall and sometimes a registration number, compliance with a night cap for a main residence, collection of the tourist tax, and up-to-date diagnostics. Rules vary locally, so check with your town hall.
Declaring the furnished tourist rental
Letting a furnished home to short-stay guests falls under the furnished tourist rental regime. In many towns a prior declaration to the town hall is required, and some cities (notably on the French Riviera) require an online procedure with a registration number to display on listings.
Change of use in some cities
In towns that have introduced it, turning a home into a short-term let can require a change-of-use authorisation, sometimes with a compensation rule. This must be checked city by city before you start.
The 120-night cap for a main residence
When you let your main residence short-term, the law generally limits letting to 120 nights per year. A second home or a property dedicated to letting is not subject to this cap but is still covered by the other local obligations.
Tourist tax, insurance and diagnostics
Other obligations complete the picture:
- Collect and remit the tourist tax at the town’s rate
- Take out insurance suited to short-let activity
- Hold up-to-date diagnostics, including the energy performance report
- Comply with the co-ownership rules where they apply
This guide describes the general French framework for information. Rules change and vary by town, so check with your town hall and, if needed, a professional for your situation.