Renting a holiday cottage today: what nobody tells you before you start
You have a property, a beautiful region, the desire to welcome travellers. Great. But before publishing your first advert, there are a few realities you need to be aware of. Not to discourage you – quite the opposite. Just to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Because holiday letting is fantastic... as long as you get off to the right start. Youcheckinn is here to help.
Renting out a cottage is carrying out an activity
It might come as a surprise, but renting out a gîte — even for two weeks a year — is considered an economic activity. What does that mean in practice? That you need a Notification of commencement of business and one SIRET number.
Without it, you aren't compliant. And platforms like Airbnb or Booking are starting to ask for it systematically.
2. The town hall, your first point of contact
In many municipalities, you already have to declare your furnished accommodation to the town hall and obtain a registration number. This number must appear on all your online advertisements.
And this obligation will extend. Tomorrow, it will be generalised to the entire territory. If you haven't already done so, now is the time.
In the long term, without a registration number, You will simply no longer be able to list your property online.
3. The Rental Permit: Are You Affected?
Less well-known, but increasingly widespread. Today, over 500 municipalities require what is known as a “rental permit” – an administrative authorisation before any rental. Two scenarios:
A simple statement (CERFA form 15651)
A Authorisation with a visit of the accommodation (CERFA 15652), issued within one month, valid for two years
This authorisation must be annexed to each signed lease agreement. Renting without it? There's a fine that can go up to 15 000 €. It's worth checking with your local council.
4. Taxation: Micro-BIC or real regime?
It's often the question that causes problems. Yet, it's quite simple to understand.
The micro-BIC, this is the default scheme. You declare your income, and the tax authorities automatically apply a deduction:
• 30 % if your accommodation is not rated
• 50 % if it is classified as tourist accommodation
Practice, but you don't deduce anything more.
The actual regime, it allows you to deduct your actual expenses: renovations, loans, insurance, depreciation of the property and furniture. Less paperwork, but often much more advantageous as soon as you have a loan or ongoing work.
One figure to keep in mind: €23,000. It’s the threshold that makes all the difference. Below it, you pay social security contributions at 17.2%. Above it, you switch to social security contributions.
5. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): don't ignore it at all
Energy performance certificates have become a genuine legal requirement, not just a formality. What you need to know:
• Since November 2024, the classified accommodations F or G can no longer be rented out for new projects
• Classified dwellings E remain laudable until 2034
From 2034, all furnished flats will have to display a rating between A and D
A fine of €5,000 per non-compliant property. If your property is a leaky sieve, you'd best get the work done now.
6. Residence tax: uNo GoodNo newShe Possible for rural gîtes
From 2027, Gîtes ruraux could be exempt from property tax. But be careful, not everyone is automatically entitled to it. To benefit, your property must:
• To be a self-contained tourist accommodation
• Welcome tourist clientele
And above all, to be labelled and regularly checked
It is this last point that opens — or closes — the door to this exemption.
7. The label : a real safety net
It is often thought that a label is just for making advertisements look pretty. In reality, it is much more than that. Being labelled means benefiting from:
• A professional perspective on your property
• Support with your procedures
• Of genuine commercial value
• Strong positioning in the face of regulatory changes
In a context where the rules change every year, having good support is no longer a luxury. It's real protection.
Among the main recognised labels in France, one can cite:
• Clévacances
• Gîtes de France
• Rural Welcome
• Sunflowers
In summary, before you dive in
Renting a holiday cottage is affordable, but requires planning ahead.
The Energy Performance Certificate is becoming essential
• The town hall registration number will become compulsory
Electronic invoicing is being phased in
The choice of tax regime has a real impact
The ranking and label secure your project
• Rules are evolving... it's best to be well supported
YouCheckInn We help you document, certify and secure your property at every stage – so you can focus on what really matters: welcoming your travellers.
