Renting in Paris: Apartments, Lifestyle, and Tax Rules You Should Know

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Paris is the beating heart of France, admired worldwide for its grand boulevards, historical architecture, museums, bakeries, and boutiques. Renting an apartment in Paris allows travelers to immerse themselves in this cultural richness while enjoying beautiful, furnished homes that reflect the elegance of French living.

Companies like Perfectly Paris not only offer carefully selected apartments in the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, but also support property owners—many of them international, particularly American—in managing their secondary residences in France. Their services range from short- to long-term rental management to personalized property care, ensuring that each home is showcased and rented with professionalism and Parisian flair. Unlike mass-market platforms, they provide tailored solutions and local expertise, creating a seamless experience for both landlords and tenants.

Paris and France more broadly continue to attract buyers from around the world who dream of owning a pied-à-terre or a countryside retreat. Beyond the cultural and emotional appeal, real estate here represents a long-term investment. Yet such an investment comes with specific tax and legal implications that every international property owner should be aware of.

That’s where ESCEC International steps in—guiding you through the French tax system and regulatory framework to secure your investment and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Best Times to Rent an Apartment in Paris

  • Spring: Mild weather, blooming gardens, bustling cafés.

  • Summer (June–August): Long sunny days, Bastille Day celebrations, open-air concerts, and Paris Plages for riverbank relaxation.

  • Fall: Crisp air, colorful foliage, and fewer tourists.

  • Winter: Romantic charm with quiet streets from November to February, even if the days are gray and cold.

No matter the season, renting a Paris apartment offers an authentic way to live like a local, whether for a short getaway or a longer stay.

Regulations and Tax Rules for Rentals in Paris and France:

Airbnb Paris

While the experience of staying in Paris is unforgettable, it comes with important rules and tax obligations, especially for short-term rentals. Cities like Paris have strict policies to balance tourism with the availability of housing for residents.

General Rental Laws in France

  • Primary residence rental cap: 120 days per year, potentially reduced to 90 in “tense zones” from 2025.

  • Private rooms in primary residences: Unlimited rental, no registration required.

  • Mandatory registration: Most properties must be registered with the local authorities; fines for violations can reach €50,000.

  • Tourist tax (taxe de séjour): Charged per guest per night; automatically collected by platforms like Airbnb Paris.

  • Safety requirements: Smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits are mandatory.

  • Energy efficiency: Starting in 2025, rentals must meet minimum energy performance standards (DPE).

  • Noise regulations: Quiet hours enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM.

  • Insurance: Strongly advised to protect hosts and guests beyond basic coverage.

 

Read more about Airbnb taxes

The Loi Le Meur: Airbnb Paris

Enacted in November 2024, the Loi Le Meur introduced stricter measures to address housing shortages. It lowered rental caps, required certain operators to offset short-term rentals with equivalent long-term housing, and strengthened fire safety standards.

Taxation of Rental Income

Rental income in France is fully taxable and must be declared annually. Obligations include:

  • Income tax

  • Social contributions

  • Tourist tax (taxe de séjour)

From 2025, significant changes apply:

  • Non-classified holiday rentals: Tax allowance reduced from 50% → 30% (capped at €15,000).

  • Furnished tourist accommodations: Allowance reduced from 71% → 50% (capped at €77,700).

These reductions mean higher taxable income unless the property qualifies for official tourist classification.

👉 For a full breakdown of tax rules, see our guide: A Complete Guide to Airbnb Rentals Taxation in 2024.

City-Specific Rules

  • Paris: Strict 120-day limit, mandatory registration, fines up to €50,000, new energy rules in 2025.

  • Nice: €23,000 earnings cap, frequent inspections.

  • Marseille: Primary residences only; strict approval needed for secondary properties.

  • Lyon: Authorizations required, maximum nine years.

  • Bordeaux, Cannes, Toulouse, Montpellier, Strasbourg: Variations on national rules, each with strong oversight to preserve housing markets.

Tourist Tax in Practice

The tourist tax varies:

  • Classified properties: Fixed rate per night, per guest.

  • Unclassified properties: Municipalities set between 1%–5% of the nightly price.

  • Regional add-ons: For example, the Île-de-France “Grand Paris” tax of 15%.

Platforms like Airbnb automatically collect and remit this tax, but hosts remain responsible for compliance.

Conclusion: Airbnb Paris

Renting an apartment in Paris is more than just finding a place to stay — it’s about experiencing the rhythm, culture, and beauty of the city like a true Parisian. Whether it’s through the personalized service of Perfectly Paris or other options like this website, the options are vast.

At the same time, France enforces clear tax and regulatory obligations that protect both the housing market and travelers. By understanding these rules and planning accordingly, visitors and hosts alike can enjoy a smooth, compliant, and memorable Parisian rental experience.