Enacted on 19 November 2024 and fully applicable in 2026, the Le Meur law is the most significant reform of the rules on furnished tourist lets since the ALUR law. It changes taxation, the cap on letting a main residence, mayors' powers and energy performance obligations. A complete breakdown for Paris property owners.
Background: why this law in 2024?
Rental pressure in France's major cities — Paris first and foremost — reached a critical point between 2020 and 2024. The housing stock lost around 30,000 homes in just a few years to furnished tourist lets, in a capital already short of supply. Faced with this, the bill put forward by Annaïg Le Meur (Renaissance) and Iñaki Echaniz (Socialist) won an unprecedented cross-party majority.
For owners, the law is a significant tightening — but also an opportunity to switch to more sustainable strategies such as medium-term rental under a civil lease, often more profitable once the numbers are run.
The five major changes
1. Main-residence cap: 120 → 90 nights
This is the most visible measure. The law allows municipalities to lower the cap on letting a main residence as a furnished tourist let from 120 to 90 nights a year. Paris has chosen to apply this 90-night cap.
The platforms (Airbnb first among them) apply this counter automatically. Exceeding it can be punished by a fine of €15,000 for the landlord.
2. LMNP taxation: micro-BIC allowance cut
Before the law, the micro-BIC flat-rate allowance was 71% for furnished tourist lets classified by Atout France (and 50% for unclassified ones). The Le Meur law brings it into line with the standard furnished-letting regime:
- Furnished tourist lets classified: allowance reduced to 50% (revenue ceiling: €77,700)
- Furnished tourist lets not classified: allowance reduced to 30% (ceiling €15,000)
Mechanically, the net return under micro-BIC falls. The LMNP actual-expenses regime becomes attractive for a growing share of owners, especially those with recently acquired properties (substantial depreciation).
3. Energy rating obligations: phased in until 2034
Any new furnished tourist let requiring a change-of-use authorisation must have an energy rating of at least F since 2025, then E in 2028; in 2034, all furnished tourist lets will need to be rated between A and D. Properties already let before the law have until that deadline to comply.
An owner of a property rated E, F or G must therefore plan energy-efficiency works if they want to continue short-term letting by 2034.
4. Stronger powers for town halls
Municipalities can now:
- Create a high-pressure zone where all furnished tourist lets require prior authorisation (not just changes of use)
- Impose a quota per neighbourhood limiting the number of furnished tourist lets
- Lower the cap from 120 to 90 nights by municipal decision
5. Stronger checks and data cross-referencing
The platforms must now automatically send data on completed lettings to the tax authorities (DGFiP) and to municipalities. Owners can no longer go unnoticed — if a property is let, the tax office and the town hall will know.
The concrete impact on returns in Paris
Simulation for a 40 m² one-bedroom in the 11th arrondissement:
| Strategy | Before the Le Meur law | After the Le Meur law |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term (120 nights) | ~€14,400 net/year | — |
| Short-term (90 nights) | — | ~€10,800 net/year |
| Medium-term (civil lease, 10 months let) | ~€19,500 net/year | ~€19,500 net/year |
| Long-term (1989 law) | ~€13,800 net/year | ~€13,800 net/year |
The switch to medium-term civil leases is becoming the dominant strategy for main residences or properties with a change of use. See our complete guide to the civil lease.
What we recommend to owners
- Review your current tax regime. Micro-BIC or actual expenses? The reform can tip the balance. An LMNP accountant can redo your projections in 30 minutes.
- Check your energy rating. If you are rated F or G, plan a works budget. An energy audit costs €300–500 and helps you plan.
- Reassess your overall strategy. Medium-term rental, marginal until now, is often becoming more profitable than short-term rental, now capped at 90 nights.
- Get your registration in order. Up-to-date registration number, compliant listings, declared income: the platforms report automatically and the tax office checks.
Need a costed recommendation for your property?
Full Concierge manages 150+ apartments in Paris and has helped more than 110 owners choose their strategy after the Le Meur law. We provide a personalised, costed estimate within 24 hours, free and with no obligation.
Outlook: what to tell owners who are hesitating?
The Le Meur law is not the end of the furnished model. It changes the balance. Short-term rental remains relevant for a minority of properties (main residences occupied 9+ months a year, classified properties, highly touristic locations). For the vast majority of Paris properties, medium-term rental under a civil lease is now the rational choice — higher returns, full compliance, stability.
The regulatory wave is far from over: national registration expected at the end of 2026, European harmonisation under discussion, a planned specific tax on capital gains. Owners who adapt now will be the best positioned.