Furnished tourist accommodation has become an essential part of the seasonal rental market. Faced with growing competition, many owners are considering classifying their meublé de tourisme to gain greater visibility and credibility.
But behind the official stars and the reassuring image also lie constraints, obligations and a number of disadvantages that it’s best to be aware of before taking the plunge. In this article, we take a closer look at the disadvantages of classifying a meublé de tourisme, the conditions to be met and the practical consequences for owners (we promise to keep smiling 😄).
Reminder: what is a classified meublé de tourisme?
A meublé de tourisme is a furnished property offered for short-term rental to a visiting clientele. Classification as a “meublé de tourisme” is a voluntary process that awards a property between 1 and 5 stars, according to a national grid of criteria.
This classification is valid for 5 years and is based on an inspection visit carried out by an accredited organization.
1. Strict conditions for classifying a meublé de tourisme
A demanding criteria grid
The classification of a meublé de tourisme is based on a grid of more than 130 criteria covering :
- Home comfort
- Available equipment
- Surface and layout
- Our services
- Safety and accessibility
Every detail counts. An accommodation can be charming, well-decorated and popular with travelers, but not reach the desired star level because of missing equipment or a slightly insufficient surface area.
Investments sometimes necessary
To classify a meublé de tourisme, it is often necessary to invest :
- In higher-quality bedding
- In additional furniture
- In specific equipment required by the grid
These investments can quickly become costly, with no guarantee of an immediate increase in bookings.
2. A restrictive administrative procedure
A detailed official visit
The classification of a meublé de tourisme involves an on-site visit by an approved organization. Each room is inspected, measured and checked.
An oversight or non-conformity may result in :
- Star ratings below expectations
- Refusal to classify
- A chargeable secondary inspection
A classification to be renewed every 5 years
The classification of a meublé de tourisme is not definitive. Every 5 years, the procedure must be repeated:
- New visit
- New fees
- New, sometimes stricter requirements
In other words, stars require regular maintenance.
3. The financial cost of classification as a meublé de tourisme
A fee is charged for the classification of a meublé de tourisme. Depending on the organization and the size of the accommodation, the fee is generally between €150 and €300.
To this can be added :
- Upgrade work
- Mandatory equipment purchases
- Renewal costs
For some owners, especially of small furnished tourist accommodations, the return on investment can be long and uncertain.
4. Increased tax and reporting obligations
A tax advantage under scrutiny
A classified meublé de tourisme benefits from a more advantageous tax allowance under the micro-BIC system. But this advantage also means greater vigilance in the event of an audit.
It is essential to :
- Strict compliance with tax rules
- Keep supporting documents
- Be consistent in your statements
Tourist tax is often higher
For classified tourist accommodation, the tourist tax is generally calculated according to the number of stars.
The higher the classification, the higher the tax, which can influence the final price paid by the traveler.
5. Less flexibility in the management of furnished accommodation
Once classified, a meublé de tourisme must remain compliant with its star rating. This limits certain freedoms:
- Impossible to remove mandatory equipment
- Modification of housing to be framed
- More complex adaptation to new customers
This rigidity can be a constraint for owners wishing to upgrade their offer.
6. The classification of a meublé de tourisme is not always decisive
In practice, many travellers prefer :
- Customer reviews
- Location
- The photos
- The price
An unclassified but highly rated meublé de tourisme can sometimes perform better than a classified accommodation.
Conclusion: to classify or not your meublé de tourisme?
Classifying a meublé de tourisme may be appropriate in certain cases, but it also has a number of disadvantages that should not be underestimated.
Technical constraints, costs, administrative procedures, management rigidity… classification is not always the ideal solution.
Before taking the plunge, ask yourself the essential question: is classifying my meublé de tourisme really suited to my rental strategy? Because sometimes, a well-maintained, well-managed and highly-rated property… shines brighter than an official star ⭐