This Paris Law Just Destroyed Airbnb Bookings
If you have an Airbnb booked in Paris, there is a real chance it could be cancelled before you even get on the plane. Paris has a new mayor, Emmanuel Grégoire, who has made the crackdown on illegal rentals his mission, and the Paris Airbnb rules are now stricter than ever. In this video we explain what changed, why hosts are cancelling, how to check if your booking is safe, and the legal alternatives we recommend instead.
The rules right now
- A host renting out their primary residence can do so for a maximum of 90 days per calendar year, down from 120 days until October 2024.
- Every listing must show a 13-digit registration number from Paris City Hall. No number is a red flag.
- Renting out a secondary residence requires a costly change-of-use authorization from the city.
- Fines can reach 100,000 euros per infraction, and a new national registration portal makes enforcement much easier.
Why your host might cancel
We see three main reasons. The host has already hit the 90-day limit. They got a better offer, for example a longer stay or a higher rate during a busy week. Or their building voted to ban short-term rentals, which now only takes a two-thirds majority. Cancellations are most likely in peak season, from May to October, when finding a comparable place at the last minute is hard.
What we recommend instead
If you keep your Airbnb, check for the registration number and always have a plan B. If you want the apartment experience, use a licensed rental company: we recommend Cobblestone, run by an American and a Canadian in Paris, and also mention Paris Perfect, Haven in Paris and Guest Apartment Services. Honestly, for many visitors a hotel is the better choice: no last-minute cancellation, housekeeping, a front desk around the clock and somewhere to leave your bags.
Our go-to hotel is Hotel Odeon Saint Germain, and you can browse our list of recommended hotels in Paris. When we filmed, the code FRENCHIES gave 10% off at Cobblestone and a free breakfast at the hotel. For the rest of your trip, see our favorite things to do in Paris and our Paris Guide Bundle.