Paris cracks down on Airbnbs with €100,000 fines and London-style limit on nights per year
Paris Cracks Down on Airbnbs: What You Need to Know
Paris, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, is taking a bold step to regulate the booming Airbnb industry. As of January 2025, the city will start handing out fines to unlicensed hosts, with penalties ranging from €10,000 to €100,000.
The Problem with Unlicensed Rentals
According to Inside Airbnb data, 95,461 Airbnb listings are currently available in Paris, with 89.3% of them being entire properties. However, only 20% of these listings have the necessary licenses, making them illegal. The city hopes to crack down on these unlicensed rentals and bring them in line with the law.
What This Means for Tourists
The crackdown on Airbnb rentals could have several implications for tourists. On the one hand, it may lead to fewer options for short-term accommodations, which could drive up prices and make it more difficult for visitors to find affordable places to stay. On the other hand, the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions may see less overcrowding, and local residents may be able to afford to move back into the city center.
What This Means for Local Residents
The crackdown could also have a significant impact on local residents who rely on short-term rentals as a way to make ends meet. The UNPLV, a French short-term rental association, warns that the new measures could deprive families of the possibility of topping up their income and meeting their expenses.
What’s Next for Paris?
The city’s plan to limit short-term rentals to 90 nights per year is a major departure from the current rules, which allow for up to 120 nights. Anyone found to be renting out their property for more than 90 nights could face a fine of €15,000.
How Will This Affect the Airbnb Industry?
Airbnb has responded to the crackdown by saying that the new measures are a “distraction” and will not solve the city’s housing issues. The company believes that the focus should be on addressing the real local challenges related to tourism concentration in central Paris.
What’s Next for Other Cities?
Paris is not the first city to take action against Airbnb rentals. New York banned short-term rentals in 2011, while Barcelona has planned to revoke short-term licenses for its 10,000-holiday apartments over the next five years. As cities continue to grapple with the impact of short-term rentals, it will be interesting to see how the Airbnb industry adapts to these new regulations.