- Save valuable time, we take care of everything
- Increase your occupancy rate and your income
- Provide a 5-star experience for your guests
- Hassle-free: full management, from check-ins to cleaning
In an increasingly competitive market, vacation rental owners are constantly looking for ways to stand out from the crowd. While some choose to completely renovate their property and others opt to offer more and more amenities, we suggest considering a star rating for your vacation rental to help you gain a competitive edge.
Let’s take a look at what a vacation rental star rating entails, how you can get your property rated, and, most importantly, what the benefits are.
What does a vacation rental star rating involve?
A vacation rental star rating involves assigning a score from 1 to 5 to a property used for short-term vacation rentals. Similar to hotels, this rating is represented by a number of stars awarded to the property.
To determine this star rating, there are 133 criteria divided into 3 main chapters as defined in the Order of August 2, 2010, establishing the standards and procedure for rating vacation rentals. The three main categories that make up the rating grid refer to:
- the amenities provided, customer services and the accessibility of the vacation rental, and the eco-responsibility of the property.
This rating naturally helps define the level of comfort and service provided by the vacation rental. The rating process is optional. Any owner or their representative can choose to have their vacation rental rated if they wish.
To be eligible for a rating, the property must have a minimum living area of 12 square meters (including the kitchen area), or 9 square meters if there is a separate kitchen, as well as a bathroom and a toilet.
How do you get a vacation rental rated?
To begin the rating process for a vacation rental, the property must first be registered as a vacation rental with the local town hall. Depending on the municipality, additional steps may be required before you can apply for a rating.
Once you are in compliance, you can request a rating for your vacation rental. Here are the steps to follow:
- Have your property inspected by an organization accredited or approved by the French Accreditation Committee (COFRAC). The cost of the inspection is paid by the owner and ranges between 140 and 200 euros depending on the size of the property. Obtain the inspection certificate from the organization that conducted the visit. This certificate consists of three documents: the inspection report, the completed checklist, and a proposed rating (1 to 5 stars). Approve the rating: after receiving the certificate, the owner has 15 days to decline the rating. Without a clear refusal, the rating is considered valid.
- Submission to the departmental tourism board: accredited organizations regularly send the list of rated vacation rentals to the tourism board of the relevant department. Order a rating plaque that displays the assigned rating to share with your guests. Apply for a rating every five years: owners or their representatives must reapply for a rating every five years if they wish to continue enjoying the benefits of the rating.
What are the benefits of a vacation rental star rating?
A strong selling point
A vacation rental star rating is a strong selling point for travelers and on booking platforms.
Above all, displaying a star rating on a listing is a sign of reliability for travelers. When they book a rated vacation rental, they expect a certain level of comfort and service. It reassures them about the quality of their stay, and for some, it is even a key search criterion.
Among the many vacation rentals available, having a rated property also helps you stand out on booking platforms. A listing for a rated property benefits from better visibility on these platforms and catches the eye of potential guests.
Tax advantages
A vacation rental star rating allows you to take advantage of a favorable tax situation. By opting for a rating, you can benefit from a generous 70% flat-rate deduction on the income generated by the rental, provided that this income does not exceed 82,000 euros.
Consequently, the star rating of a vacation rental has a direct impact on income tax, as it reduces the taxable portion of rental income.
Furthermore, for those investing in rural revitalization zones, the rating offers even greater advantages. Obtaining a star rating for a vacation rental leads to exemptions from residence tax and property tax, providing significant tax relief while contributing to the development of less urbanized regions.
Attractive signage
Thanks to the official plaque generated after receiving a rating, you can take advantage of attractive signage on any type of medium.
We strongly advise owners of rated properties to display their star rating using the official plaque on all materials where the vacation rental is featured (brochures, websites, social media posts, etc.).
To stand out from the competition, it is highly recommended to include the plaque on your rental listing on booking platforms.
Increased visibility and a broader clientele
Rating your vacation rental goes far beyond a simple administrative formality. This process provides vacation rental owners with increased visibility by officially listing them with tourist offices.
This recognition opens doors to a specific clientele seeking authenticity and reliability, who may not necessarily use online booking platforms. As a result, the rating becomes a prime showcase for capturing the attention of travelers looking for unique experiences.
Furthermore, this status allows you to join the National Agency for Holiday Vouchers (ANCV) and, consequently, accept holiday vouchers from travelers. This access to new payment methods further expands your potential clientele, offering an invaluable opportunity to attract an even wider variety of visitors.
In short, rating a vacation rental is a true key to winning over diverse and discerning audiences, opening the door to long-term success in the hospitality sector.
.jpg)
