Why Classify Your Furnished Tourist Accommodation?

Do you have a cosy little place that you rent out to holidaymakers now and then? Or are you an experienced owner looking to give your property maximum visibility? Whatever your situation, you have probably already heard of the "meublé de tourisme" (furnished tourist accommodation) rating.

But what does it actually mean? Why do so many owners go for this classification? In this article, we take an in-depth look at what furnished tourist accommodation is, why classifying your property matters, and how you can obtain this valuable rating.

What Is Furnished Tourist Accommodation?

Let's start with the basics.

Furnished tourist accommodation is quite simply a furnished property intended for short-stay guests who do not take up residence there.

This type of rental, which may be a house, a flat, a villa or even a studio, is let for a maximum of 90 consecutive days to the same person. The letting is generally short term and includes all the furniture needed to live there comfortably.

The Furnished Tourist Accommodation Rating: What Is It?

The furnished tourist accommodation rating is an official classification awarded by the French authorities to assess the quality of properties intended for holiday letting.

This classification, awarded for a period of five years, runs from 1 to 5 stars, just like hotels. The more stars you have, the more your property is seen as offering a high level of comfort and quality facilities. The rating is an official recognition, issued after a thorough inspection by a state-accredited body.

Obtaining this rating allows you to guarantee future guests a certain level of comfort and service, while offering them a property that complies with legal standards. It reassures guests about the quality of the accommodation they are about to book.

Why Obtain the Furnished Tourist Accommodation Rating? The Benefits

Wondering why you should go through this rather tedious process to classify your property? The benefits are many, and some of them may genuinely surprise you!

Official, Credible Recognition

The furnished tourist accommodation rating is recognised by holidaymakers, travel agencies and booking platforms. By displaying this classification, you offer potential guests a guarantee of quality and compliance. What is more, it is an impartial assessment carried out by an independent body. That mark of credibility is very reassuring for tourists from every country.

Better Visibility

Having a property classified as furnished tourist accommodation gives you better visibility on booking platforms such as Airbnb, Booking and Abritel.

Holidaymakers can filter their searches by star-rated properties, and of course, the more stars you have, the more your listing is pushed forward. The result: more clicks, more bookings and therefore more income!

Attractive Tax Benefits

One of the lesser-known yet highly advantageous aspects of the furnished tourist accommodation rating concerns tax.

As the owner of a classified furnished property, you can benefit from a tax allowance of 71% on rental income, compared with just 50% for unclassified lettings. Yes, classifying your property means substantial savings when you declare your rental income!

A Marketing Asset

Classification as furnished tourist accommodation is also an excellent selling point for winning over guests. A classified property is often seen as more reliable and more likely to meet customer expectations.

This can make all the difference when holidaymakers have to choose between several similar offers. They are more likely to book a 3-star property than one with no classification, because they know it has been inspected and approved by an official body.

Greater Peace of Mind for You and Your Guests

By obtaining the furnished tourist accommodation rating, you also assure your guests that all safety and comfort standards are met.

In particular, this can help you avoid disputes or complaints about faulty equipment or misleading descriptions.

And should a dispute arise, you have a legal basis and an official document proving that your property complies with current requirements.

How to Classify Your Property as Furnished Tourist Accommodation: The Steps Involved

Now that you are convinced of the many benefits of furnished tourist accommodation classification, let's look at the steps to follow to obtain this much-prized rating.

Prepare Your Property

Before you even start the process, make sure your property meets the basic criteria: impeccable cleanliness, safety (fire extinguisher, smoke alarm), comfortable bedding, basic facilities such as a functional kitchen, heating, and so on. You can consult the official framework to see the exact criteria for the number of stars you are aiming for.

Contact an Approved Body

To classify furnished tourist accommodation, you need to call on an accredited body. There are several state-recognised providers in France that you can contact to arrange an assessment visit. They are the ones who will inspect your property to check whether it meets the criteria for the classification you are seeking.

Property Inspection

An assessor appointed by the body will come and evaluate your property. The inspection takes into account factors such as floor area, the condition of the facilities, the level of comfort, accessibility and even the surroundings (peace and quiet, proximity to shops, and so on).

Waiting for the Verdict

Once the inspection is complete, the body issues you with a detailed report stating the number of stars awarded to your property. If the property meets all the criteria, the furnished tourist accommodation rating will be granted for a period of five years. If certain aspects fall short of the requirements, the body can point out areas for improvement to address before any reassessment.

Official Publication

Once you have your classification, you can display it proudly on your listings. The classification is also published in the official register of furnished tourist accommodation, which gives your property greater visibility.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of the furnished tourist accommodation classification process varies depending on the body you choose and the number of properties to be classified. As a rule, expect to pay between 150 € and 400 € for a full assessment. But rest assured, it is an investment that quickly pays for itself thanks to the many benefits you get in return. Obtaining the furnished tourist accommodation rating may look like just one more piece of admin, but the benefits it brings in terms of credibility, visibility and tax make it a must for owners of holiday properties. Whether you are already a holiday rental pro or a beginner just starting out, classification as furnished tourist accommodation will help you boost your business while reassuring your guests. If you would like to know more about the various labels, take a look at our article on the Destination d'Excellence label