New Airbnb Rules in Paris After the 2026 Mayoral Election
Paris is one of the most regulated Airbnb markets in the world—but with newly elected mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, regulations are expected to become even stricter.
One of his key policy goals is to significantly reduce short-term rentals in Paris. With tighter rules and stronger enforcement, the city is preparing to push back further against investor-driven Airbnb activity.
If you’re an Airbnb host, landlord, real estate investor, or property manager, understanding the new Airbnb rules in Paris in 2026 is essential.
Here’s what you need to know about what’s changing in the Paris short-term rental market — and your options moving forward.
What Are the New Airbnb Rules in Paris in 2026?
Airbnb is not banned in Paris. However, its use is now strictly limited.
You can occasionally rent out your home—but you cannot operate a full-time short-term rental business.
Primary Residence Airbnb Rules in Paris: What’s Still Allowed (Strict Regulations Apply)
If the property is your primary residence (where you live full-time), you can still rent it on Airbnb—but under tight conditions:
- You must register your property with Paris City Hall
- You must display your registration number on your listing
- You can rent the property for a maximum of 90 nights per year
- The unit must remain your primary residence
👉 Airbnb is allowed for occasional use, not as a business model.
Investment Properties Face Strict Short-Term Rental Restrictions
This is where the biggest shift is happening.
👉 Secondary homes are effectively restricted from Airbnb use.
If you own a second apartment in Paris and want to rent it short-term:
- You must obtain a change-of-use authorization from the City of Paris
- You must provide compensation (converting commercial space into residential use)
In reality, this process is complex, time-consuming, and very expensive.
In many areas of Paris, compensation costs typically range between €1,000 and €3,000 per m², and can be even higher in central districts.
Under the new mayor, enforcement is expected to tighten significantly, making it extremely difficult to operate investment Airbnb properties legally in Paris.
Stricter Enforcement on Illegal Airbnb Listings
The regulations themselves are not entirely new—but enforcement is becoming much more aggressive.
The City of Paris is expected to:
- Increase inspections of short-term rental activity
- Use platform data (Airbnb, Booking, etc.) more effectively
- Identify and track illegal listings faster
- Issue fines more systematically—and actually enforce them
⚠️ Penalties can reach up to €50,000 per illegal property.
What used to feel like a “manageable risk” is now becoming high-risk and highly enforceable.
Why Paris Is Reforming the Short-Term Rental Market
To understand these rules, you need to understand the bigger picture.
Paris is currently facing a growing housing crisis, with fewer properties available for long-term rentals, rising rents across the city, and more and more residents struggling to stay in the city.
Short-term rentals are increasingly seen as part of the issue: they take homes off the long-term market, tend to be more profitable than traditional rentals, and fuel real estate speculation.
That’s why the city’s goal is simple: bring more housing back to long-term residents.
What Property Owners Should Do Under the New Airbnb Rules in Paris
If you occasionally rent your own home while traveling:
You’re still fine. This type of usage is still allowed. Just make sure you:
- Register your property
- Display your registration number
- Stay within the 90-night limit
If you’re running an Airbnb business and you:
- Own multiple units
- Rent year-round
- Depend on short-term rental income
You are in a much riskier position. In many cases, continuing under the Airbnb model may no longer be viable.
It is now much safer to shift toward long-term or mid-term rental strategies.
The Civil Code Lease: The Most Profitable Rental Strategy in Paris
One of the most flexible and profitable alternatives in today’s Paris rental market is the Code Civil lease.
The Civil Code lease is commonly used for:
- Corporate rentals
- Secondary residences (pied-à-terre)
- Company leases
Why the Code Civil Lease Works
More Flexibility
- Lease terms can be customized, including the amount of the security deposit
- Rental duration is negotiable
- Rent prices are freely set
- Fewer tenant protection constraints
- Owner can reclaim the property more easily
Strong Legal Position
- Not subject to standard residential rental laws
- Not subject to Paris rent control regulations
Attractive Tenant Profile
- Expats
- Companies
- Embassies
- International organizations
- Professionals on assignment
Final Thoughts
Paris is not banning Airbnb—but it is reshaping the market in a major way.
- Occasional home-sharing remains allowed
- Professional short-term rental activity is increasingly restricted
For property owners, this is more than a regulatory update—it’s a strategic shift.
Those who adapt early—by moving to compliant rental models like the Code Civil lease—will be in the strongest position moving forward.
Editor: Siyi CHEN
