Paris Court Imposes Record €440,000 Fine for Illegal Short‑Term Rentals

A Paris court has ordered a property owner and the concierge firm that managed his listings to pay a combined fine of €440,000 for illegally renting four apartments on Airbnb. Each party was charged €220,000 after the court found that the apartments were offered to tourists without the mandatory authorization from the Paris city hall.

The ruling invokes French legislation that holds both owners and professional management services accountable for unauthorized short‑term rentals. It marks the highest penalty ever imposed on a concierge service in the capital, surpassing the previous maximum of €50,000. Paris officials said the decision is intended as a strong signal to protect housing availability for residents.

The case reflects a broader European push to tighten rules on platform‑mediated holiday rentals, with cities seeking to curb the conversion of long‑term housing into tourist accommodation.