Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, drawing millions of tourists each year. For many property owners and investors, short-term rentals have long been seen as an attractive opportunity to earn passive income. However, strict laws and increasing enforcement have made short-term letting in Paris a legally sensitive and complex process.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about short-term rental regulations in Paris, how to legally rent your property, and whether it is still a profitable venture in 2025.
What Counts as a Short-Term Rental in Paris?
A short-term rental is defined by the City of Paris as the rental of a furnished property for less than 90 consecutive days to a transient guest. These are typically advertised through platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO.
The law distinguishes between:
Primary Residences: Your main home where you live at least 8 months per year
Secondary Residences or Investment Properties: Properties not used as your primary residence
The rules for each category differ significantly.
Legal Rules for Short-Term Rentals (2025)
To preserve long-term housing availability, the Paris government has implemented some of the strictest short-term rental regulations in Europe.
1. Renting Out Your Primary Residence
You are allowed to rent your primary residence for up to 120 nights per year
You must register your property with the Paris City Hall
A 13-digit registration number must be displayed in all online listings
Renting beyond 120 nights or without registration is illegal and can result in fines.
2. Renting Out a Secondary Residence or Investment Property
Short-term rental of a secondary residence is generally prohibited unless you:
Apply for a change-of-use permit, converting the apartment into a commercial property
Provide a compensatory property to be converted from commercial to residential use in the same area, which is costly and complex
Because of these requirements, short-term rentals from secondary homes are rarely legal in Paris.
How to Register Your Short-Term Rental in Paris
Even if you are renting out your own home, you need to go through a formal process:
Visit the Paris City Hall’s rental registration portal
Submit documentation proving primary residence status
Obtain your 13-digit registration number
Include this number in all listings on platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO
This number helps authorities track rentals and ensure compliance with the 120-night limit.
Penalties for Illegal Short-Term Rentals
The city of Paris has been actively enforcing rental laws in recent years. Violations can result in:
Fines up to €50,000 per property
Daily fines of €1,000 for continuing illegal rentals
Court orders to revert illegally converted properties
Both individual hosts and platforms can face penalties. Airbnb and others are now required by law to remove listings without proper registration numbers.
Is Short-Term Renting in Paris Still Profitable in 2025?
If done legally, short-term rentals in Paris can still generate a solid return, especially for owners of well-located primary residences.
Factors Affecting Profitability
Location: Central arrondissements (1st–7th, Marais, Latin Quarter) yield the highest returns
Property Type: Studios and 1-bedroom apartments are most in demand
Seasonality: Summer, fashion weeks, and holidays bring peak booking periods
Sample Profit Estimates (2025)
| Property Type | Average Nightly Rate | Occupancy Rate | Monthly Income Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio in Marais | €110 – €130 | 70–80% | €2,500 – €3,000 |
| 1BR in Latin Quarter | €140 – €160 | 70% | €3,000 – €3,400 |
| 2BR near Eiffel Tower | €180 – €220 | 65% | €3,500 – €4,200 |
These figures are gross income before taxes, fees, and operational costs.
Costs to Consider
Fixed and Variable Costs
Cleaning and laundry: €40 to €70 per stay
Guest management services: 10–20% of gross revenue
Platform fees: 3–15% depending on the service
Maintenance, repairs, and utilities
Taxes
Tourist Tax (taxe de séjour): Charged per guest per night
Income Tax: Rental income must be declared under:
Micro-BIC Regime: 50% flat deduction
Régime Réel: Deduct actual expenses for higher-income properties
Consult a French tax advisor to determine the best tax structure.
Legal Alternatives to Short-Term Rentals
Given the tight restrictions on secondary homes, many property owners in Paris are shifting to medium- and long-term rental strategies.
1. Medium-Term Rentals (1–11 Months)
Legal for both primary and secondary residences
Target audience includes students, expats, digital nomads
Platforms include MorningCroissant, Blueground, and Spotahome
2. Furnished Long-Term Rentals (12+ Months)
Compliant with French housing law
Lower turnover, stable income
Attracts professionals and long-term international tenants
Tips for Successful and Legal Hosting in Paris
Register your property properly
Do not exceed the 120-night annual limit
Display your registration number on all listings
Keep track of bookings and income for tax purposes
Explore medium-term rentals for more flexibility
Avoid risky shortcuts—penalties are steep
Conclusion: Is Short-Term Renting Still a Smart Move in Paris?
While short-term rentals in Paris can still be profitable, they come with significant legal requirements. For most property owners, especially those renting their primary residence, the process is straightforward if properly registered.
However, for investors with secondary homes, the legal and financial hurdles make short-term rentals a high-risk venture. Many are now pivoting to medium-term or furnished long-term leases to stay compliant while generating stable income.
Before you list your property on any short-term platform, make sure you understand the current laws, register correctly, and consider whether another rental strategy might serve your goals more effectively.
Important Links
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