- The principle
With YouCheckInn, we assist many owners who are questioning the 120-day rule for short-term rentals. This rule is essential to know, as it governs the rental of your main residence and defines what the law actually allows.
In France, renting out your main residence on a short-term basis is possible, but it's not entirely unrestricted.
Tourism Code — Article L.324-1-1
«When the residential premises constitute the lessor's principal residence, they may only be rented out for a maximum of one hundred and twenty days per calendar year.»
You can rent out your home
• But only up to 120 days per year
In other words, it's permitted... but controlled.
- What is a principal residence?
The law also specifies this point.
Same article (L.324-1-1)
«The main residence is the dwelling occupied for at least eight months a year…»
• It's accommodation that you actually live in
• A property not solely dedicated to renting
It is this status that allows you to rent without entering a stricter framework.
- What this implies in concrete terms
In fact, the rule is simple:
• You can rent out your main residence
• But only occasionally
Beyond 120 days, the situation changes
In certain cities like Paris, Lyon or Marseille, platforms automatically block listings once the threshold is reached.
• Therefore, you cannot freely develop your business on this type of property.
- What happens if you exceed 120 days?
Exceeding this limit is not trivial.
Building and Housing Code – Article L.651-2
«civil penalty of up to €50,000»
• The penalties can be severe, and checks are carried out mainly in large cities. This is therefore not just a «theoretical» rule.
- Why does this rule exist
The objective is quite clear:
• Prevent too many homes from becoming holiday rentals
• Preserve housing for local residents
The law makes a real difference between occasional use and regular rental activity.
- The real subject: proof
That's often where the problems start.
Respecting the rules is good
Being able to prove it is essential.
In the event of a check, you must be able to show:
That the accommodation is your main residence
• How many nights did you rent
• Without precise monitoring, your situation can quickly become difficult to justify.
Conclusion
The 120-day rule may seem simple, but it actually structures your entire business.
• She sets a clear boundary
• It governs how you rent
• It imposes a minimum level of organisation
Today, simply renting isn’t enough. It’s also necessary to track and justify what you do.
The more the market evolves, the more frequent the checks become.
And it's often the small details that make the difference
Anticipating is simply avoiding finding yourself in a complicated situation later.
#Check-in #Short-term-let #Seasonal-let #120-day-rule #Lets-in-France
