Parliament has adopted a law to better regulate Airbnb-type tourist rentals. With possible quotas and fiscal tightening, the text aims to give mayors the necessary tools to supervise a booming sector. A decision welcomed by tourism stakeholders, but which worries platforms like Airbnb.
Increased supervision of tourist rentals
The deputies definitively adopted a law aimed at better regulating furnished tourist rentals, like Airbnb. This legislation, which introduces tax changes and strengthens the powers of mayors, responds to growing pressure from communities and tourism stakeholders for better control of this fast-growing market.
Among the main provisions, the law allows mayors to set up quotas to limit the number of furnished tourist accommodations in their municipality. Elected officials will thus have an expanded “toolbox” to adapt regulations according to local needs. Furthermore, the text imposes a review of the taxation applicable to these rentals, which until now benefited from a more favorable tax regime than long-term rentals. This tax reform, according to tourism federations, aims in particular to discourage speculative practices which contribute to the surge in real estate prices in certain tourist regions.
The American platform Airbnb, present in more than 29,000 municipalities in France, reacted by expressing its disappointment with these new rules. In a press release sent to AFP, Airbnb regrets constraints “ tax and administrative » additional which, according to her, risk penalizing French families wishing to rent their accommodation occasionally.
A response expected by tourism stakeholders
« We already collaborate with more than 350 cities in France to respect local rules », recalls Airbnb, which says it is ready to work with more municipalities, but within the framework of “ proportionate and effective measures ».
The tourism sector federations, in particular the Confederation of Tourism Actors (CAT) and ADN Tourisme, welcomed the adoption of this new law. In a joint press release, they emphasize that the measures adopted take up proposals made for several years to regulate furnished tourist accommodation, while preserving the diversity and quality of the accommodation offer in France. These organizations also welcome the review of the tax regime to combat speculative investments, while encouraging the classification of furnished tourist accommodation, which offers a guarantee of quality for visitors.
The Minister of Tourism, Marina Ferrari, also showed her support for the law, particularly welcoming the consideration of “classified tourist accommodation”. These, which follow stricter quality criteria, will benefit from a greater tax reduction, a decision which aims to reward owners committed to improving their offer. “ The concerns I expressed were taken into account “, declared the minister, describing this choice as “ good news » for French tourist attractiveness.
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