Is Airbnb legal in Lyon?

Airbnb Regulations in Lyon

In Lyon, short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb are legal but governed by specific regulations aimed at balancing tourism and local housing needs. Here are the key rules for hosts:

1. Rental Duration Limits: The rental of a primary residence is capped at 120 days per year. Beyond this limit, hosts are required to apply for a change of use and provide compensation by making another property available for long-term rental.

2. Registration Requirement: All hosts must register their property with the town hall to obtain a registration number, which must be displayed on their listings. This requirement helps the city monitor compliance with rental limits.

3. Differentiation of Properties: Regulations differ based on property type and location. In the hypercentral areas (like Vieux-Lyon and the Presqu’île), any short-term rental incurs a compensation obligation, requiring equivalent housing to be offered for long-term rental. For properties outside this zone, a limit of 35 square meters applies before compensation is necessary.

4. Compensation Rule: Hosts renting out properties larger than 35 square meters outside the hypercenter must provide compensation, similar to the stricter regulations in Paris. This aims to mitigate impacts on the local rental market.

5. Compliance and Enforcement: The city actively monitors Airbnb listings, and violations can lead to fines up to €5,000 per property for failing to comply with the change of use or registration obligations.

6. Tax Obligations: Hosts must also report income and collect tourist taxation in alignment with local laws.

With these regulations, Lyon strives to foster sustainable tourism while safeguarding the local housing market, ensuring that both visitors and residents can thrive in this historic city.