French ELAN Regulation (Évolution du Logement, de l'Aménagement et du Numérique)

The ELAN regulation sets out how holiday rental hosts must operate under French laws on housing, development, and digital platforms. If you rent out a property in France, knowing these rules helps you avoid legal issues and keep your business running smoothly.

Key Points of the ELAN Regulation

Understanding the main requirements ensures you stay compliant with French short-term rental laws:

  • Registration requirement: All hosts must register their property with the local authorities. This promotes transparency and supports compliance with local housing laws.
  • Maximum rental days: If the property is your primary residence, it can generally be rented out for a maximum of 120 days per year. Some municipalities may impose stricter limits (for example, 90 days). Secondary residences are not subject to a national limit but may require prior authorization from the municipality, especially in large cities.
  • Declaration of guests: Hosts must declare the number of guests staying at your property to local authorities, which is important for tax purposes.
  • Platform obligations: Platforms like Holidu are required to keep you informed about your obligations and to support compliance with legal requirements.

What Is "Meublé de Tourisme" Classification?

To raise the appeal and credibility of your holiday home, you can apply for the "Meublé de Tourisme" classification. It is voluntary, gives your listing legal recognition, and can build trust with potential guests.

Benefits of Meublé de Tourisme

  • Better visibility in the market
  • Possible reductions on local taxes
  • Recognized quality and amenities standard

How to Get Meublé de Tourisme Classification

Contact an accredited organization for an assessment. Your property will be evaluated on comfort, amenities, and service, then placed in a category from 1 to 5 stars.

How to Register Your Property

Follow these steps to register your property with local authorities:

  1. Contact your local municipality: Visit your local mairie (town hall) to gather the required forms and information.
  2. Complete the registration form: Fill out the forms with details about your property such as address, size, and rental capacity.
  3. Obtain your registration number: Once processed, you will receive a registration number that should be added to the "General Information" section of your Holidu Host Account.

Staying Compliant With French ELAN Regulations

A few helpful tips to stay on top of legal requirements:

  • Track your rental days: Keep a careful log of the days your property is rented to make sure you stay within the 120-day limit.
  • Stay informed: Regulations evolve, so keep up to date through official sources or check in regularly with local authorities.
  • Use Holidu: Your account helps you track bookings and surfaces timely reminders on upcoming compliance deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions About ELAN

Do I need to register my property if I only rent it out occasionally?

Yes, all hosts who rent out properties in France must register with local authorities, regardless of how frequently they rent. Registration is a mandatory requirement under the ELAN regulation.

What happens if I exceed the 120-day rental limit for my primary residence?

Exceeding the rental limit can result in penalties and legal consequences. Keep detailed records of all rental days to ensure compliance. If your municipality has stricter limits, follow those instead.

Can I rent out a secondary property without a day limit?

Secondary residences are not subject to a national 120-day limit, but they may require prior authorization from your municipality, especially in large cities. Contact your local mairie to confirm requirements for your specific property.

Is Meublé de Tourisme classification required?

No, the Meublé de Tourisme classification is voluntary. However, it provides benefits such as better market visibility, possible tax reductions, and increased guest trust through recognized quality standards.

How do I add my registration number to my Holidu account?

Once you receive your registration number from your local municipality, add it to the "General Information" section of your Holidu Host Account to complete your compliance setup.

Did this article answer your question?

Do you want to contact us?

We’re here to help. You can contact us directly if you need assistance or have questions.

Contact us