If you’re planning to rent out your property on the Côte d’Azur for short stays, understanding local seasonal rental regulations is essential. French authorities have tightened rules to protect housing supply and ensure fair competition. Here’s what every foreign homeowner should know before listing their villa or apartment on Airbnb or other platforms.
Do you need to register your property ?
In many towns on the Riviera – including Nice, Cannes, Antibes and Menton – you must register your property at the local town hall (Mairie) before renting it short-term. Once registered, you’ll
receive a unique number that must appear in your online listing.
Failing to do this can lead to heavy fines, so don’t skip this step!
Are there building or co-ownership rules ?
If your property is in a condominium (copropriété), check the building rules. Some co-ownerships forbid short-term rentals altogether, or limit them to longer stays. Always verify your building’s regulations to avoid disputes with neighbours.
Is there a rental limit for primary residences ?
Yes! If the property is your primary residence, you’re generally allowed to rent it out for up to 120 days per year for short stays. If you exceed this limit, your status changes and you may face stricter requirements.
What if it’s a secondary residence or investment property ?
Renting out a secondary residence or a property used exclusively as a holiday let may require a change of use authorisation from the local authority. In larger cities with high housing pressure, this process can be quite complex. Some municipalities may demand you ‘compensate’ the loss of residential housing by transforming an equivalent space into a residential unit.
Do you need to collect tourist tax ?
Yes. All short-term rentals must collect a taxe de séjour (tourist tax) from guests and pay it to the local tax office. Platforms like Airbnb often collect this automatically, but if you manage bookings yourself, you’re responsible for declaring and paying the tax.
Other legal obligations
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Make sure your property complies with health & safety standards.
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Insure your home adequately for rental risks – standard homeowner insurance is often insufficient.
Our advice
Navigating seasonal rental rules can feel daunting, especially for non-French residents. A local architect and project manager can help you :
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Ensure your property meets local standards.
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Advise on planning permissions for renovations.
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Connect you with trusted property managers to handle bookings and compliance.
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