French ELAN Regulation: What Hosts Need to Know

If you're hosting a property in France, understanding the ELAN regulation (Évolution du Logement, de l'Aménagement et du Numérique) is essential to staying compliant and running a successful rental business. This guide covers the key requirements and steps to keep your hosting in order.

What is the ELAN Regulation?

The ELAN regulation is French legislation that governs how holiday rental hosts must operate. It sets out rules on housing, local development, and digital platform responsibilities. Understanding these rules helps you avoid legal issues and maintain a smooth hosting experience.

Key Requirements for Hosts

Registration with Local Authorities

All hosts must register their property with the local municipality. This registration requirement promotes transparency and ensures compliance with French housing laws.

Maximum Rental Days Limits

Rental day limits depend on your property type:

• Primary residence: Maximum 120 days per year nationally, though some municipalities may impose stricter limits (such as 90 days in certain areas)
• Secondary residence: No national daily limit, but many municipalities require prior authorization before you can rent, especially in large cities

Always check with your local mairie to confirm the specific limits that apply to your property.

Guest Declaration

You must declare the number of guests staying at your property to local authorities. This information supports tax compliance and helps municipalities track visitor numbers in their area.

Meublé de Tourisme Classification

Obtaining "Meublé de Tourisme" classification is optional but highly recommended. This voluntary certification gives your property legal recognition and can boost your appeal to guests.

Benefits of Meublé de Tourisme Status

• Increased visibility and credibility in the rental market
• Potential tax reductions at the local level
• Recognized quality and amenities standard that builds guest trust

How to Obtain Classification

Contact an accredited assessment organization in your region. Your property will be evaluated based on comfort, amenities, and service standards, then assigned a category from 1 to 5 stars.

How to Register Your Property

Step 1: Contact Your Local Municipality

Visit your local mairie (town hall) to request the registration forms and gather any additional documentation they require.

Step 2: Complete the Registration Form

Fill out all required fields with accurate information about your property, including address, size, number of rooms, and maximum guest capacity.

Step 3: Obtain Your Registration Number

Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive a registration number. Add this number to the General Information section of your Holidu Host Account so your compliance status is properly documented.

Tips for Staying Compliant

• Track rental days carefully: Keep a detailed log of all booking dates to ensure you do not exceed your municipality's maximum rental days limit
• Update guest information: Always declare the correct number of guests for each booking
• Monitor regulatory changes: French regulations can evolve, so check official government sources and your local mairie regularly for updates
• Use your Holidu account: Your host dashboard tracks bookings and provides reminders about upcoming compliance deadlines

Holidu's Role in Your Compliance

Holidu is required by law to keep you informed about your legal obligations and to support your compliance efforts. Your host account provides tools and reminders to help you stay on track with French regulations, so you can focus on hosting great guests.