Is Airbnb legal in Avignon?

Airbnb Regulations in Avignon

In Avignon, Airbnb rentals are legal, contributing significantly to the local hospitality landscape, especially considering the city's rich historical heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage sites. As of early 2023, there are approximately 8,974 Airbnb listings in the area, with the majority being entire homes (76%), reflecting a vibrant short-term rental market.

Key Regulations:

1. Rental Limitation: Owners who rent out their primary residence can do so for a maximum of 120 days per calendar year. Once this limit is reached, the listings will automatically be blocked from further bookings.

2. Registration Requirement: Hosts are required to register their property with the town hall, which is a free process. This registration is essential to legally operate a short-term rental. Owners must apply through the Sirene directory.

3. Exemptions: Certain types of rentals do not require registration. These include:

   • Renting out a single room in your primary residence without any duration limits.
   • Bed and breakfast operations (chambres d’hôtes) or hotel-style accommodations.
   • Long-term rentals (over a year) and properties rented under the “bail mobilité” scheme, designed for specific temporary tenants.

4. Reporting Obligations: Hosts must report their rental income on their annual tax return, qualifying under the Industrial and Commercial Profit (BIC) category. Income from furnished rentals is subject to taxation, and host data is reported yearly to French tax authorities.

5. Tourist Tax: Rental properties may be required to collect and remit a tourist tax, which is automatically handled by platforms like Airbnb for most listings. Guests booking “mobility lease” accommodations are typically exempt from this charge.

6. Market Overview: The average occupancy rate for rentals in Avignon is about 36%, with entire homes fetching an average monthly income up to €2,049. Despite regulatory frameworks, the local government appears to have a lenient approach towards enforcement, with a considerable number of listings operating without displayed registration numbers.

Overall, while Avignon’s Airbnb market shows significant potential and is supported by lenient regulations, hosts must comply with registration and taxation requirements to operate legally within the city. For aspiring hosts, the combination of a strong tourism base and manageable regulations presents an attractive opportunity in the short-term rental market.