Paris is known as the City of Love and is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. With its romantic ambiance, iconic landmarks, and delectable cuisine, it’s no surprise that millions of people flock to Paris every year. However, with the rise of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway, there has been a debate about whether or not short-term rentals are legal in Paris.
The Law on Short-Term Rentals in Paris
In 2018, the French government passed a law known as the Elan law, which regulates short-term rentals in France. The Elan law provides guidelines for homeowners who want to rent out their property for short periods and imposes strict penalties for those who violate these regulations.
One of the key provisions of the Elan law is that homeowners can only rent out their primary residence for a maximum of 120 nights per year. This means that second homes or investment properties cannot be rented out on a short-term basis.
In addition to this, homeowners must register their property with their local town hall and obtain a registration number before they can advertise their property on rental platforms like Airbnb. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines for both homeowners and rental platforms.
Paris’ Response to Short-Term Rentals
Paris has been at the forefront of regulating short-term rentals in France. In 2017, the city council introduced new regulations that required homeowners who wanted to rent out their property on platforms like Airbnb to obtain a registration number. This registration number must be displayed on all online advertisements for the property.
In addition to this, Paris has also imposed fines on rental platforms who advertise unregistered properties or properties that exceed the 120-night limit. These fines can reach up to €12,500 per illegal listing.
What Does This Mean for Tourists
For tourists planning a visit to Paris, it’s important to ensure that the property they are renting is registered with the local town hall and complies with the Elan law. This can be checked by asking the homeowner for their registration number or by checking the property’s online advertisement for the registration number.
It’s also important to note that some areas in Paris have imposed stricter regulations on short-term rentals. For example, in popular tourist areas like Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, short-term rentals are only allowed for a maximum of 60 nights per year.
The Bottom Line
Short-term rentals are allowed in Paris, but they are heavily regulated. Homeowners must register their property with their local town hall and comply with the Elan law. Tourists must ensure that the property they are renting is registered and complies with these regulations to avoid any legal issues or fines during their stay.
In summary, if you’re planning a trip to Paris and want to rent out a property on platforms like Airbnb, make sure you do your research and follow all the necessary regulations to ensure a hassle-free stay in this beautiful city.