Everything you need to know about Airbnb legislation in Megève

Megève, an iconic ski resort in the Haute-Savoie region, attracts thousands of travelers every year, drawn by its snowy slopes and charming alpine village. For owners of apartments or chalets, seasonal rentals via Airbnb represent an attractive opportunity. Between strict regulations and administrative obligations, hiring an Airbnb concierge service in Megève often becomes essential. Here is the essential information on the regulations you need to know to rent legally in Megève in 2025.

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Airbnb legislation in Megève: renting out your primary residence

What is a primary residence?

According to the General Tax Code (Article 2 of Annex II), your primary residence is the home you occupy for at least 8 months per year (a minimum of 240 days). This definition applies whether you own or rent your apartment in Megève.

Accepted proof of occupancy:

• Electricity or gas bills covering 12 months
• Tax notice showing the property address
• Proof of bank domicile

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Owners: your rights and obligations

The ALUR law (No. 2014-366 of March 24, 2014) regulates short-term rentals in France. In Megève, you may rent out your primary residence for a maximum of 120 days per year.

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Advantages: No need for authorization for a change of use, unlike secondary residences. You can freely rent out your apartment in the city center or the heart of the village while you are away.

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Tenants and subletting: be careful!

If you are a tenant and wish to sublet on Airbnb, Article 8 of Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989, requires the written consent of your landlord.

Mandatory conditions:

✓ Written and explicit consent from the landlord

✓ Subletting clause in the lease agreement

✓ Compliance with the 120-day maximum

✓ Full liability for any damages

Risks without authorization: lease termination, legal action, and repayment of rent collected.

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Registration with the Megève town hall

According to the Tourism Code (Article L324-1-1), registration is mandatory for all rentals in Megève.

Documents to provide:

• Property deed or lease
• Proof of identity
• Recent proof of address
• Sworn statement (primary residence)

Processing time: 5 to 15 days | Cost: Free | Validity: Permanent

The registration number (13 characters) must appear on all your Airbnb listings. Without this number: €5,000 fine.

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Maximum number of rentals

For a primary residence in Megève: 120 days maximum per year. Each night counts toward this quota, calculated over the calendar year (January 1st to December 31st).

Exceeding this limit = €5,000 fine per violation.

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Airbnb regulations in Megève: renting out your secondary residence

Definition of a secondary residence

A secondary residence refers to any property you occupy less than 8 months per year. In Megève, these are often chalets or apartments intended for vacations and ski trips.

Difference from a primary residence:

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*If you wish to rent for more than 120 days/year

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Secondary residence owners

To rent for more than 120 days/year: you must obtain authorization for change of use from the Megève town hall.

According to Article L631-7 of the Construction and Housing Code, Megève is classified as a high-demand area. This authorization often requires compensation: converting commercial space into residential space.

Procedure:

• Cerfa form no. 14004*03
• Processing time: 2 to 6 months
• Documents: floor plan, photos, proof of ownership, compensation proposal

Benefit: Once authorization is obtained, you can rent your chalet with a stunning view of the slopes all year round without limitation.

Without authorization: fine of up to €50,000 if you rent for more than 120 days.

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Secondary residence tenants

A rare situation in Megève. If you are a tenant of a secondary residence, subletting on Airbnb requires:

• Explicit landlord consent in the lease
• Specific insurance recommended
• Full liability for damages

Tip: Most owners prefer to entrust their property to a professional Megève Airbnb property management company like Welkeys.

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Subletting a secondary residence

The same rules as for a primary residence apply, with increased risks in ski resorts (expensive equipment, ski gear).

Key points to watch:

• Appropriate insurance is essential
• Significant tenant liability
• Few owners agree to it

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Registration with the town hall: mandatory

Even for a secondary residence, registration with the Megève town hall remains mandatory before any rental.

Identical procedure:

• Same form and documents
• 13-character number to display on Airbnb
• Free and permanent

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Maximum number of rentals

Two scenarios:

1. Without change-of-use authorization: 120 days maximum per year
2. With authorization: unlimited rental all year round

In Megève, a ski resort in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the high season (December to March) generates high demand. The 120-day limit can be reached quickly.

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Declaring your Airbnb income in Megève

When to declare?

The declaration is made every year between April and June during your standard tax return.

Tax calendar:

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Since 2019: Airbnb automatically reports your income to the tax authorities. It is impossible to "fly under the radar."

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How to declare: micro-BIC or actual expenses?

Two tax regimes according to Article 50-0 of the French General Tax Code.

Micro-BIC tax regime:

• Applicable if income < €77,700/year 50% flat-rate allowance Simplified accounting

Example: €15,000 in income → taxed on only €7,500

Real tax regime:

• For all income levels Deduction of actual expenses: renovations, loan interest, Megève Airbnb concierge fees, insurance, property tax, etc. Full accounting required

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Tip: In Megève, where rental income can be high during the ski season, a Megève Airbnb concierge or an accountant can help optimize your tax situation.

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Why declare?

Legal obligations:

• Rental income = taxable income Automatic reporting by Airbnb to tax authorities Increased tax audits in ski resorts (+40% since 2022 according to the DGFiP)

Penalties for non-declaration:

• Surcharge of 10% to 80% depending on the delay Late payment interest (0.20%/month) Risk of an in-depth tax audit

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Tourist tax in Megève

According to articles L2333-26 to L2333-47 of the General Local Authorities Code, the tourist tax is mandatory in Megève.

2025 rates per person per night:

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Procedures:

• Collection from guests during their stay Quarterly payment to the Megève town hall Airbnb can collect it automatically (option to be enabled)

Example: 4-star chalet, 4 adults, 7 nights = €3.50 × 4 × 7 = €98

Failure to pay = surcharge of 10% to 40%

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Business Property Contribution (CFE)

According to article 1447 of the French General Tax Code (CGI), if your Airbnb income exceeds €5,000/year, you must pay the CFE.

Possible exemption: First 3 years if declared before December 31 of the year the business began (form 1447-C-SD).

Amount in Megève: Several hundred euros depending on the property's surface area and location.

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Practical checklist for property owners in Megève

Before publishing your listing

☐ Step 1: Determine the property status

• Primary residence (≥ 8 months/year) or secondary residence (< 8 months/year)

☐ Step 2: Obtain authorization if necessary

• Secondary residence + rental > 120 days = mandatory change of use authorization

☐ Step 3: Register with the Megève town hall

• Documents: proof of ownership, ID, supporting documents
• Free, 5-15 day processing time

☐ Step 4: Take out appropriate insurance

• "Seasonal furnished rental" insurance
• Essential coverage for ski resorts:
  
  • Liability (min. €2M)
  • Property damage and ski equipment
  • Water damage related to snow
  • Theft and vandalism

☐ Step 5: Check the co-ownership rules

• Some co-ownerships in Megève limit or prohibit short-term rentals
• Notify the property manager (recommended)

☐ Step 6: Equip the property

Expected amenities in a ski resort:

✓ Secure ski lockers

✓ Boot dryer

✓ Quality linens

✓ Efficient heating

✓ High-speed Wi-Fi

✓ Local guide to slopes and restaurants

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During the rental period

☐ Display registration number

• On every Airbnb listing (dedicated field)

☐ Maintain a rental log

• Dates, duration, guest identity, amounts
• Retention: 1 year minimum

☐ Collect tourist tax

• For every guest arrival
• Automatic Airbnb option available

☐ Comply with the 120-day limit (for primary residences)

• Strict calendar year calculation
• Airbnb can automatically block the calendar

☐ Remit tourist tax

• Quarterly to the Megève town hall
• Keep records for 3 years

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Documents to keep

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Solution: An Airbnb concierge service in Megève like Welkeys automatically handles all these administrative obligations.

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Why trust Welkeys as your Airbnb concierge in Megève

100% guaranteed legal compliance

Welkeys, the leading Airbnb concierge in Megève, ensures you are fully compliant with the complex regulations governing seasonal rentals.

Our administrative services:

✓ Town hall registration: we handle the entire process, so you get your number without any effort
✓ Regulatory monitoring: we track all legislative changes in Haute-Savoie and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region
✓ Automatic quota compliance: calendar blocking at 120 days for primary residences
✓ Tourist tax management: collection from guests and quarterly remittance to Megève
✓ Annual tax summary: a detailed document to simplify your tax filing

Result: Zero risk of penalties, zero administrative stress, guaranteed compliance.

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Full-service rental management

Beyond the legal aspects, Welkeys handles the entire rental management process for your apartment or chalet in Megève.

Operational services included:

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Ski resort expertise:

Our local teams understand exactly what travelers in Megève are looking for:

• Ski equipment (lockers, boot dryers) checked
• Restaurant and slope recommendations for guests
• Specialized management during high season (December–March)
• Network of local service providers available 7 days a week.

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Maximizing your rental income

Welkeys optimizes the profitability of your investment in the heart of the Alps. By leveraging yield management tools (used in high-end traditional hospitality), we rent at the best rates to maximize your rental income year-round. Our ability to list on over a dozen platforms allows us to attract an international clientele throughout the year.

Our maximization strategy:

1. Multi-channel distribution

• Listing on Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, Plum Guide, the Welkeys Club, and platforms specialized in mountain rentals.
• 30% to 40% higher occupancy rates compared to Airbnb alone, thanks to our continuous optimization technologies.

2. Dynamic pricing

• Automatic adjustments based on season, events, and snow conditions
• Daily revenue optimization via algorithms managed by our team of revenue managers.

Example of rates in Megève (1-bedroom apartment):

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3. Optimized listings

• Professional photography (stunning views, ski slopes)
• Compelling descriptions in French, English, Spanish, German, and Russian
• SEO-optimized content for every platform

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4. Review management

• Systematic solicitation of positive reviews to ensure a top-tier online reputation, the key to long-term rental success
• Average Welkeys guest rating in Megève: 4.8/5

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Observed results:

• +35% rental income from the 1st year
• +25% occupancy rate
• Guest satisfaction rate: 96%

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Transparency and total control

Online dashboard:

• Real-time bookings
• Occupancy calendar
• Detailed income per stay
• Expenses (cleaning, maintenance)
• Guest reviews

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Clear contract:

• No hidden fees
• Transparent commission (20-30% depending on the plan)
• Termination possible according to contractual terms

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Why choose Welkeys in Megève?

✓ Permanent local presence: team based in Megève, no remote management
✓ Market knowledge: expertise in the slopes, village, and activities
✓ Network of service providers: plumbers and electricians available quickly
✓ Local partnerships: village shops, ski schools, restaurants
✓ Mountain specialization: management adapted to ski resort constraints

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In short: Welkeys, an Airbnb concierge service in Megève, frees you from all administrative, operational, and legal complexities. You can enjoy optimized income with peace of mind while we manage your property in the heart of the Alps.

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Conclusion

Renting your apartment or chalet on Airbnb in Megève is an attractive opportunity, but it requires compliance with a specific regulatory framework. Between town hall registration, rental caps (120 days for primary residences), change-of-use authorization (for secondary residences), tax declarations, and collecting tourist taxes, there are many obligations to meet.

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Key points to remember:

✓ Mandatory town hall registration (13-character number)
✓ 120-day max for primary residences; unlimited if authorized for secondary residences. The total rental duration for a primary residence must not exceed 120 days per calendar year (unless for professional reasons, health issues, or force majeure).
✓ Mandatory annual tax declaration (micro-BIC or real regime)
✓ Tourist tax to be collected and remitted
✓ Penalties ranging from €5,000 to €50,000 in case of violation
✓ Specific insurance is essential

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Using a professional Airbnb concierge service in Megève like Welkeys guarantees legal compliance, comprehensive management, and the maximization of your income. Our local team in the ski resort handles all the constraints so you can enjoy your investment in the heart of the Alps with peace of mind, whether you own an apartment in the town center or a chalet with a stunning view of the slopes.

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Contact Welkeys for a free estimate of your property in Megève.

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