Montpellier dit stop à l'explosion des Airbnb

The article “Montpellier dit stop à l'explosion des Airbnb” is published by L’Essentiel de l’Éco, an independent media outlet focused on economic and environmental issues. Authored by journalist Paul Crauchet, the piece analyses recent regulatory measures adopted by the Montpellier metropolitan council in 2025 to curb the rapid growth of short‑term tourist rentals, a phenomenon that has put pressure on the local housing market.

Montpellier’s council reinforced the national “Loi Le Meur” (adopted late 2024) by introducing stricter local rules for tourist‑type furnished rentals. The new policy caps the number of authorised short‑term tourist units in the historic city centre (Écusson) at 770, a threshold already reached. No additional licences will be granted unless an existing unit is withdrawn, effectively freezing the total stock.

In early 2025, the metropolitan area recorded 5 728 declared tourist‑type furnished units, of which over 3 000 are secondary residences. The neighbouring commune of Lattes reported 449 such units, with 141 classified as secondary homes. These figures illustrate the scale of the short‑term rental market and its impact on permanent housing availability.

The council reduced the permissible rental period for primary residences from 120 days to 90 days per year. This measure aims to limit opportunistic short‑term use of homes that would otherwise serve as long‑term accommodation. Compliance is reinforced through mandatory energy‑performance diagnostics (ratings A to E) for any unit placed on the market, and an attestation confirming conformity with condominium regulations.

Violations now attract heavier penalties. Illicit conversion of premises can result in fines up to € 100 000, double the previous maximum of € 50 000. Additionally, authorisations are limited to a four‑year term without automatic renewal, and any unit benefitting from public aid may no longer change its usage category.

The new rules were adopted during a council meeting on 14 October 2025, chaired by Mayor Michaël Delafosse, who affirmed the council’s commitment to utilise the full extent of the law. Monitoring will involve cross‑checking declared units with energy‑performance certificates and ensuring that landlords provide the required attestations.

By capping tourist rentals, enforcing energy‑efficiency standards, and tightening duration limits, Montpellier seeks to preserve its permanent housing stock and promote more sustainable, long‑term residency. The policy reflects a broader European trend of balancing tourism‑driven income with the need for affordable, energy‑efficient homes.