How to declare a furnished tourist rental in France

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Do you want to rent out a property for short-term stays to vacationers? Before any rental begins, the declaration of your furnished tourist accommodation is often mandatory. In France, there are estimated to be around 1.2 million furnished tourist rentals, showing strong demand for this type of accommodation. This declaration process is intended to ensure your activity is legal and helps you avoid heavy penalties.

So, what rules apply to your situation? How do you declare your furnished tourist accommodation? In this article, Winter Real Estate guides you step by step to rent in full compliance, whether you are a landlord or a future buyer.

Key points to remember

• Declaring a furnished tourist rental is mandatory unless the property is your primary residence rented for less than 120 days per year.
• The process is done at the town hall using CERFA form no. 14004*04 or via a local online service.
• Some municipalities, such as Nice, require registration with a number that must be displayed in listings.
• Renting without a declaration can result in fines of up to €5,000, or more in the case of multiple infractions.
• Before renting, always check local rules: change of use, maximum rental period, or possible compensation requirements.

What is a furnished tourist accommodation?

A furnished tourist accommodation is a furnished property—such as an apartment, studio, or villa—offered to transient guests for short stays (day, week, or month), without the tenant making it their primary residence.

It is a seasonal rental, distinct from a primary residence or a bed and breakfast. The property must be for the tenant’s exclusive use, equipped for immediate occupancy, and offer no hotel-type services.

According to Article D. 324-1 of the French Tourism Code, this category includes both classified properties (from 1 to 5 stars) and unclassified ones.

Note: in high-demand housing areas in France, such as Nice, the rental of furnished tourist accommodations is particularly regulated.

Is it always mandatory to declare your furnished tourist accommodation?

Yes, declaring at the town hall is mandatory for any furnished tourist accommodation, whether classified or not. This formality allows the municipality to track the evolution of rental supply within its territory.

There is only one exception: when the property is your primary residence, occupied at least eight months per year. In this case, the declaration is not required (unless the municipality requires registration), and the rental period is limited to 120 days per year (some cities may set a lower limit).

Winter Real Estate tip: Even if you rent your primary residence for less than 120 days a year, check whether your municipality requires prior registration. In Nice, this is the case. It’s always best to anticipate—making a simple declaration will save you administrative and legal headaches!

How to declare your furnished tourist accommodation

Here are the steps to declare your furnished tourist accommodation at the town hall:

1. Fill out CERFA form no. 14004*04

You can access the form by clicking here. Provide accurate information: name and address of the declarant, address of the property, number of rooms and beds, intended rental periods, and, if applicable, the classification decision if the property is rated.

2. Submit the form to the town hall

Depending on your municipality’s setup, you can either:

• use an online service (available on some town hall websites),
• submit the form in person at the town hall,
• send it by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt.

3. Receive an acknowledgment of receipt

Once the form is processed, the town hall will issue an official acknowledgment of receipt. This document confirms that your declaration has been recorded.

4. Obtain and display a registration number

In municipalities requiring registration (such as Nice), you will be assigned a 13-character number. This number must appear on all your rental listings, whether online or in print.

5. Update your declaration in case of changes

Any change in the information provided (new rental periods, change of ownership, change in accommodation capacity, etc.) requires a new, updated declaration.

Winter Real Estate added value: Declaring a furnished tourist rental is not a trivial formality. An error or omission can result in heavy penalties. At Winter Real Estate, we advise you on the steps to take. Professional guidance that helps you rent within a clear and secure framework!

Additional steps depending on the municipality

Beyond declaring at the town hall, some municipalities—particularly those in high-demand areas—may require additional procedures.

This is the case in many major cities, including Nice.

Here are the main situations to be aware of:

• Change of use authorization: In cities with more than 200,000 inhabitants and in high-pressure rental markets, repeatedly renting out a secondary residence to transient guests may require authorization for change of use. This changes a residential property into a tourist accommodation.
  
• Compensation: Some cities, such as Paris, Lyon, or Biarritz, go further by requiring compensation: to convert a property into a furnished tourist rental, the owner must convert another property into residential use. In Nice, this rule does not currently apply.
  
• Maximum rental days for a primary residence: Even if the property is your primary residence, you cannot rent it for more than 120 days per year. This limit may be lowered locally (e.g., 90 days). Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to €10,000.
  

Winter Real Estate tip: Each municipality can adapt its rules. Before renting or buying a property to offer as a furnished tourist accommodation, check with the local planning department or consult a professional from our agency.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Not declaring a furnished tourist accommodation is an offense. The owner may face a fine of up to €450, or up to €5,000 if the municipality requires registration.

This requirement also applies to primary residences if they are rented for more than 120 days per year, with a fine of up to €10,000 for unjustified overages.

Additionally, without authorized change of use, the fine can reach €50,000.

Winter Real Estate insight: These high amounts illustrate the importance of being well-informed before renting. Declaring your property is, above all, a way to protect yourself legally!

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Are you an owner or about to buy a property in Nice with the intention of renting it as a furnished tourist accommodation? Before any rental, declaring it at the town hall and registering it is an essential step.

Unsure about the procedures? Want professional assistance to rent your property on the French Riviera with peace of mind?

Winter Real Estate, established in Nice for over 60 years, is available 7 days a week to advise you!