Nice is tightening enforcement on short-term rentals and it’s another signal of where Europe is heading.

Authorities in Nice are increasing inspections and enforcement against unregistered Airbnb-style rentals as the city tries to protect housing supply in the historic center and along the Riviera coast.

Key rules operators need to know:
• Registration with the city is mandatory
• Primary residences capped at 120 nights per year
• Second homes require a change-of-use authorization,
which can be difficult to obtain

Nice remains one of the most lucrative STR markets in France thanks to year-round tourism and major international events.

But like many European destinations, the direction is clear:
more enforcement, stricter compliance, and tighter licensing.

Europe isn’t banning STRs it’s forcing the sector to professionalise.

Sources

• https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2043 (French government rules on short-term rentals)
• https://www.nice.fr/fr/logement/location-meublee-touristique (City of Nice official page on tourist rentals)
• https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/the-end-of-the-airbnb-wild-west-in-nice-new-2026-regulations-and-stricter-enforcement-reshape-the-french-riviera-housing-market/