Traveller & Short-Stay Agreement (France)
A France-specific short-stay agreement for holiday and traveller lettings, structured as a seasonal licence (location saisonnière) under the Code du tourisme rather than a residential tenancy. Covers arrival/departure, occupancy limits, damage deposit and cancellation.
What's included
- Seasonal licence structure (not a residential tenancy)
- Fixed arrival and departure dates and times
- Maximum occupancy limit
- Damage/security deposit and holding
- Cancellation and refund policy
- Tourist registration and tax reference (taxe de séjour)
- House rules and neighbour-nuisance clause
- Liability and damage responsibility
- Guest and owner signature block
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🇫🇷 Local law notes — France
Short holiday stays are seasonal furnished lettings (location saisonnière) governed by the Code du tourisme and Code civil, not the tenancy law of 6 July 1989, so they create a licence with no security of tenure. Many communes require a déclaration en mairie and a registration number; a host's primary residence may be let for a maximum of 120 days per year, and change-of-use authorisation is often needed for other properties. Hosts collect the taxe de séjour for the commune, and cancellation terms must respect the fairness rules of the Code de la consommation.
Inside the document
1. Parties and Property
This agreement is between the owner/manager and the lead guest for the short-term holiday occupation of a furnished tourist property (meublé de tourisme). It states the address, the accommodation let and its contents.
2. Nature — Licence to Occupy
This is a seasonal furnished holiday letting (contrat de location saisonnière) governed by the Code du tourisme and the Code civil, not a residential tenancy under the Loi du 6 juillet 1989. It grants a temporary licence to occupy for a holiday and creates no security of tenure or right to remain beyond the departure date.
3. Dates, Arrival and Departure
The stay runs from the stated arrival date/time (check-in) to the departure date/time (check-out). Keys or access are provided on arrival and returned on departure; late departure without agreement may incur an extra charge.
4. Price and Payment
The total price for the stay, any deposit on booking, the balance due date and payment method are stated. The tourist tax (taxe de séjour) collected on behalf of the commune is shown separately where applicable.
5. Occupancy Limit
The property may be occupied by no more than the stated maximum number of guests. Exceeding the limit, or using the property for parties or events, is prohibited and may end the stay without refund.
6. Damage Deposit
A security/damage deposit is taken by payment or pre-authorisation to cover breakage, loss or excess cleaning. It is returned after departure, less any justified deductions supported by evidence, within the period stated in the agreement.
7. Cancellation Policy
The cancellation terms set out what is refundable by reference to how far ahead of arrival the guest cancels, and the owner's obligations if the owner cancels. Any deposit forfeiture is stated clearly and in line with consumer-fairness rules of the Code de la consommation.
8. Use, House Rules and Nuisance
The property is for holiday use only. Guests respect quiet hours and neighbours, follow the house rules and any co-ownership regulations (règlement de copropriété), and must not cause nuisance; short-let and noise rules of the commune apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a French holiday booking create a tenancy the guest can stay in?
No. A location saisonnière under the Code du tourisme is a short seasonal licence for a holiday. It gives no security of tenure, and the guest must leave on the departure date; the protective Loi du 6 juillet 1989 does not apply.
Do I need to register a short-term let in France?
Usually yes. Most communes require a declaration to the mairie, and many (Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and others) require a registration number. Letting a primary residence is limited to 120 days a year, and secondary residences often need change-of-use authorisation.
What is the taxe de séjour on the invoice?
It is a per-person, per-night tourist tax set by the commune and collected from guests on the commune's behalf. It is shown separately from the rental price and passed on to the local authority.