The classification of furnished tourist accommodation is an official process that is attracting more and more owners of short-term rental properties. Yet, contrary to popular belief, its commercial impact is relatively limited: it brings little to no increase in bookings by itself. However, its financial advantages for property owners are real and sometimes significant, particularly regarding tourist tax reductions and interesting fiscal opportunities.

The classification, issued by an accredited organization after an inspection, certifies that your property meets certain quality standards (size, amenities, hospitality). It awards a rating from 1 to 5 stars, valid for 5 years. However, this classification remains relatively discreet on booking platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com, where travelers often focus more on photos, reviews, and pricing than on an official classification.

In other words, from a purely commercial point of view, the classification has little effect on your booking rate. It is therefore not primarily about attracting more travelers, but about optimizing your profitability and reducing your tax burdens.

It is important to note that during the application process, it is entirely legal — and often strategic — to request a lower classification than your property could achieve. This can be very advantageous for the calculation of the tourist tax without affecting the real quality of your accommodation.

The first concrete advantage concerns the tourist tax. When classified, the tourist tax your guests must pay is based on a fixed rate depending on the star rating, often much lower than that applied to non-classified rentals.

For example:

• In Nice in 2025, for a villa rented for one week to 10 people:

• Non-classified villa: tourist tax = 6,34% of the nightly cost per person, capped at about €6,43 per night → resulting in over €450 in tourist tax for the week.

• 2-star classified villa: tourist tax = €1,34 per person per night → €94 for the same week.

The difference is substantial: classification can save hundreds of euros per rental week.

The second major benefit is fiscal. Under the French micro-BIC (Micro-Enterprise) tax regime, a classified furnished rental benefits from a 71% tax deduction on rental income, compared to only 50% for non-classified rentals. This reduction can significantly lower your taxable income and, ultimately, your income tax.

An Opportunity to Seize Depending on Your Situation

Obtaining a classification is an accessible and relatively quick process. Expect around €150 to €250 for an accredited inspection. This initial investment is usually quickly offset by the savings made on tourist tax and income tax.

It is therefore strongly recommended for any seasonal rental property owner to seriously consider this option, especially if you intend to rent out frequently or intensively. The goal is not so much to increase bookings but to maximize your net income and secure your activity legally.

Ultimately, far from being just a quality label, tourist accommodation classification is a discreet yet powerful financial tool for anyone who wants to optimize the profitability of their rental investment.