How to rent out your second home in France?

Renting out your second home in France is an excellent way to generate income while making the most of your property.

However, the process involves more than just finding tenants. For foreign owners above all, it requires navigating complex French rental regulations and understanding levy implications.

This guide provides you with actionable insights into the French leasing landscape. Whether you’re exploring short-term vacation rentals or long-term leasing, this article will equip you with the knowledge to succeed.

Understanding leasing options: short-term vs. long-term

When considering leasing your second home in France, you need to understand the differences between short-term rentals and long-term rentals.

What is the vacation rental for a secondary residence?

Tourists typically seek vacation lets, which can be highly profitable.

Short-term leases are for periods of less than 90 days per calendar year. In addition, they are subject to strict local regulations designed to protect the housing market :

• In some very large municipalities (such as Annecy, Aix-en-Provence, Biarritz, Bordeaux, Cannes, Lyon, Nice, Paris, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Tours, etc.), you must first apply for a change of use permit. If you obtain one, you must then declare your furnished tourist accommodation ;

• In other large municipalities (particularly municipalities with more than 200,000 inhabitants, municipalities in Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, and Val-de-Marne), you must first file a declaration and then apply for a change of use permit. However, any other municipality may decide to apply this procedure ;

• In all other municipalities, filing a declaration is sufficient.

Proposals regarding short-term rentals are regularly put forward, such as this proposal from the mayor of Marseille to force owners to buy an apartment and put it up for long-term rental starting with the first Airbnb.

Learning these rules can be challenging, so enlisting the help of a real estate agency located in France that understands local laws is advisable.

Advantages of a long-term property rental

Long-term leases offer a stable income and involve less frequent tenant turnover. They typically face fewer restrictions than short-term rentals but still require compliance with French leasing laws. It's ideal for those looking to secure a steady income stream without the constant management demands of short-term rentals.

Legal requirements and documentation for renting out your furnished property

Before you rent out your apartment or house, you should’ve all necessary permits and documentation. The requirements vary depending on location and rental type.

Permits and registration to rent a french holiday home

For short-term accommodation, many cities require property owners to register with local authorities. This registration often involves obtaining a unique number that must be displayed in all rental advertisements.

For long-term leases, landlords must declare tenancy agreements to French tax authorities and provide a valid Energy Performance Certificate (DPE). Homes with low ratings (F or G) may face restrictions under current regulations.

Legal and Local Regulations for Renting Out a Property in France

Navigating local regulations is crucial when renting out your property in France, as rules can vary significantly depending on the city and type of rental. Here's what you need to know:

Permits and Registration

In many cities, property owners must register their rental with the local mairie. For example, in Paris, landlords are required to obtain a registration number, which must be displayed on all advertisements. This ensures compliance with local laws and transparency for short-term rentals.

Staying Compliant

To avoid fines or legal issues:

1. Always consult your local mairie for specific rules ;

2. Work with a real estate agency familiar with French regulations ;

3. Stay updated on changes in rental laws, such as the Loi Le Meur (2024), which introduced stricter controls on short-term leases.

Taxation on rental income for renting out property

Fiscal obligations for non-domiciled individuals

Non-residents face a minimum tax rate of 20% on net leasing income. It's important to consult the BOFIP guidelines on rental taxation for detailed guidance. Double taxation treaties may also affect whether additional taxes are due outside French territory.

Choosing the right income regime tax in Eiffel Tower country

The French’s country offers different levy regimes depending on whether your real estate is furnished or unfurnished.

Unfurnished rentals fall under "revenus fonciers" where you can choose between the actual system (régime réel) or the simplified framework (micro-foncier).

Landlords treat furnished rentals as commercial activities and must obtain a SIREN number. They can then choose between the actual framework or the simplified framework (micro BIC).

Preparing the property for leasing it

Ensuring your house or apartment is ready for tenants involves meeting safety standards and providing necessary amenities.

Meeting safety standards according to France property guidelines

You need to proceed to regular maintenance if you want to keep everything functional for the guests. For example, electrical systems and gas installations should be inspected periodically to avoid hazards.

In addition, appliances must work properly, and essential items like bedding and kitchenware should be provided to meet tenant expectations.

Just contact a real estate agent if you need help to handle all this...

Enhancing tenants experience in the secondary home to rent

Beyond meeting safety standards, creating a welcoming environment can significantly improve guest satisfaction. Adding personal touches, such as welcome baskets with local products or detailed guides about nearby attractions, can elevate the guest experience.

Setting competitive prices to help tourist involved in buying a property process

Consider factors such as location, building size, and seasonal demand when determining your pricing strategy. Competitive pricing ensures your apartment or house stands out in a crowded market.

Marketing your property effectively

Effective marketing is key to attracting renters from around the world.

Utilizing professional photography for renting out your french holiday house

Use professional photography to showcase your home's best features. High-quality images can significantly increase interest in your listing.

Leveraging social media to relay information in France

Social media platforms are powerful tools for reaching people potentially interested. Engaging content and targeted ads can expand your estate's visibility beyond traditional letting platforms.

1. Create engaging content

Posting high-quality visuals of the home on social medias is a key to capturing attention. For example, you can showcase your property's unique features, such as a scenic balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower or a cozy fireplace in a countryside home.

Use Instagram Stories to give followers a virtual tour or highlight local attractions near your property.

2. Use targeted ads

Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow you to create targeted ad campaigns that reach specific demographics, such as international tourists looking for short-term accommodation or families seeking long-term accommodations. For instance, you can target English-speaking audiences in the UK or US who frequently travel to France.

3. Collaborate with influencers

Partnering with travel influencers who specialize in French destinations can significantly boost your property's visibility. For example, invite an influencer to stay at your home and share their experience with their followers through posts, videos, or live streams. This approach builds trust and attracts a wider audience.

Managing bookings and guest relations

Efficient oversight involves prompt communication with tenants, clear check-in procedures, and providing local information about attractions and services in the area.

Streamlining Booking Processes

Using specialized property management software can significantly improve the efficiency of managing short-term rentals. For example:

• Guesty: Offers a unified dashboard to manage bookings, automate guest communication, and sync calendars across platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. It starts at $49 per month, making it ideal for owners managing multiple short-term rentals ;

• Hostaway: Designed for landlords with larger portfolios, it includes features like dynamic pricing tools, automated payments, and occupancy reporting ;

• Lodgify: Perfect for smaller portfolios, it allows property owners to create direct booking websites and manage reservations with a user-friendly interface starting at $67 per month.

These tools are specifically tailored to streamline the administrative side of short-term rental management.

To enhance guest experiences and encourage repeat bookings, focus on personalized service and effective communication. For example:

• Use platforms like Hostfully to provide 24/7 guest support, ensuring timely assistance with check-in details or resolving issues during their stay ;

• Add personal touches such as handwritten welcome notes to create a memorable experience ;

• Offer digital guidebooks with local recommendations to help guests explore the area conveniently and feel connected to their destination.

These efforts go beyond booking management by focusing on guest satisfaction, which is critical for building a loyal customer base.

Comprehensive property management services

Managing a letting process from afar can be challenging. Consider hiring a property services expert for comprehensive concierge services.

Benefits of professional management

Professional management services can handle everything from bookings to maintenance, allowing you to enjoy passive income without daily involvement.

Staying informed: adapting to changes in regulations

In this domain, rules change frequently, particularly with the introduction of laws like the Loi Le Meur in 2024. This law notably imposes the reduction of the rental ceiling for primary residences from 120 to 90 days per year and the requirement of special authorization for secondary residences.

To stay compliant, owners should regularly consult government resources for updates on tax obligations and rental rules. You can also consult this Government site specialized in income registration in France. To keep you informed, let's connect on LinkedIn, on Facebook, and Instagram. Joining owner’s associations can also provide valuable guidance and advocacy.

And if you're also considering purchasing property in French territory, check out what you need to know to buy a home in France for valuable insights and tips from Iddyl Property. You can also get help buying a home in France.

Frequently asked questions about renting a second home in France as a non-resident

Do I need a French bank account?

While not mandatory, having a French bank account simplifies transactions such as paying taxes and utility bills associated with managing your building.

What insurance should I consider?

If you are renting out a house in France, securing the right insurance is very important to protect against risks and liabilities.

Propriétaire Non Occupant (PNO) insurance is highly recommended for landlords who do not reside in their property. This policy covers damages such as fire, water damage, or natural disasters when the apartment or house is vacant or rented.

Besides that, civil liability insurance is mandatory to cover harm caused to others or their property.

For tenants, rental risk insurance (assurance risques locatifs) is required by law to cover damages like fire or water leaks.

How can I enhance my property's appeal?

You can invest in sustainable practices to significantly boost your home's attractiveness to renters while benefiting from French government incentives.

The MaPrimeRénov’ program offers financial assistance for energy-efficient renovations (insulation upgrades, solar panel installation, or ventilation improvements).

Do you have any other questions about real estate in France?

If you have any further questions about buying a property in France, check out our Real Estate FAQ and our other blog articles specialize in real estate in France for non-tax residents. You can also read this article from The Good Life in France about how to find your ideal property in France - to rent it out?