Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Laws in Lille

Airbnb hosting in Lille sounds like a dream. With its charming vibe and way fewer crowds than Paris, it’s definitely on the rise as a go-to spot for travelers. But before you get too excited about listing your cozy apartment or stylish home, there are some important rules you need to know.

Just like in many other European cities, Lille has its own set of regulations for Airbnb and short-term rentals. To keep yourself on the right side of the law, you’ll want to know these key rules. 

We’re here to break it down for you, so you can make the most of this growing market without any headaches. 

Why Lille?

Lille might not be the first place that comes to mind for an Airbnb investment, but that’s exactly why it’s a hidden gem. Just 136 miles from Paris and 9 miles from the Belgian border, Lille offers the perfect mix of accessibility and unique charm.

The city is known for its beautiful Old Town, the lively Grand Place and the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France’s largest art museums. It’s a blend of French and Flemish culture, with cobblestone streets, stunning architecture and a laid-back vibe. Lille’s weather is mild, with warm summers and cool winters, making it a year-round destination for tourists and business travelers alike.

According to AirDNA, over the last 12 months, short-term rentals here have generated an average €17.8K in revenue, with a 60% occupancy rate and an average daily rate of €98.7. This shows Lille is on the rise and the market has strong potential for short-term rental investments. It’s not as crowded or competitive as Paris, but it still offers plenty of opportunities. 

What are the Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Laws in Lille?

Here’s a quick breakdown of Lille’s Airbnb and short-term rental laws and what you need to know before listing your place:

The 120-day rule

If your rental is your primary residence, there’s a 120-day cap on how many days per year you can rent it out. Once you hit that 120-day limit, you’ll have to wait until the next calendar year to rent your place again. 

This law is designed to keep housing available for residents and prevent too many properties from turning into permanent vacation rentals. If you plan on renting for longer, you’ll need to consider registering as a professional landlord, which comes with its own set of rules.

Registering your property

Before you can open your doors to guests, you’ll need to register your property. The city of Lille requires hosts to declare their short-term rental to the local authorities. 

You’ll need to fill out a registration form and get a registration number, which you’ll display on your Airbnb listing. The city uses this to monitor short-term rentals and make sure they stay within the law.

Secondary properties

If you’re thinking about renting out a second home or a property that isn’t your primary residence, things get a bit trickier. You’ll need to apply for a change of use permit and the process can take some time. The 120-day limit still applies if you go this route.

Tax responsibilities

Lille charges a tourist tax (taxe de séjour) for short-term rentals. This is a small fee paid by guests, which is typically added to the short-term rental price.

Airbnb automatically collects this from guests and sends it off to the city, so you don’t have to worry about calculating it yourself. However, make sure you declare your rental income to the French tax authorities or you could face some fines down the road.

Noise and disturbance regulations

One of the biggest concerns in tourist-heavy areas is noise. Lille has regulations in place to ensure that short-term rentals don’t disturb the neighborhood. 

It's your responsibility to keep the peace. Make sure to communicate house rules clearly to your guests, like keeping noise to a minimum, especially during late hours. This helps create a positive experience for everyone involved.

The Bigger Picture

Lille is still a growing market for Airbnb and short-term rentals. While the regulations might seem like a lot to manage, they’re really about maintaining the city’s character. Lille is about community, history and charm — it’s not just another tourist hub.

For hosts, that means focusing on creating authentic experiences for guests, working within the city’s framework and ensuring you’re part of the solution, not the problem. Remember, understanding the local laws helps you avoid trouble while maximizing your potential earnings.

In the end, it's all about being smart with how you operate within Lille’s Airbnb market. So, if you're planning to dive into Lille’s Airbnb market, keep an eye on these laws and stay updated as they evolve. Who knows? The more informed you are, the more successful your short-term rentals and Airbnb venture could be.