On the island of Oléron, bonuses to encourage year-round rental of accommodation

The amount of this bonus will vary between 5.000 euros and 10.000 euros depending on the size of the property and in return, the landlord will have to commit for seven years, the local authority told the press.

"There is an urgent need for regulation. We can no longer accommodate our employees. This threatens our economic stability, with concrete consequences such as the closure of schools," explained Michel Parent, president of the community of communes.

The community hopes to convert 50 homes per year for three years.

This measure is inspired by an existing scheme in Les Sables-d'Olonne (Vendée), which came into effect in January 2022 and also targets second homes and vacant properties. Some 400 homes have since been vacated.

On the island of Oléron, 61% of homes are second homes, compared to an average of 22% in the Charente-Maritime department, the community points out.

Elected officials are expected to vote on this resolution at the community council meeting on May 22. "But the political decision has been made. We can implement it thanks to the Le Meur law of November 19, 2024, a formidable tool for addressing imbalances in the rental market," Mr. Parent assured.

The community of communes has earmarked annual funding of €500.000 for three years, already included in a €10 million envelope dedicated to its year-round housing strategy.

"To avoid opportunity effects, it will be accessible to owners of furnished tourist accommodation renting (their properties) before November 2024," said Joseph Hughes, Director General of Services.

The community has not ruled out taking money in the future from the €8,6 million fine imposed on Airbnb by the Poitiers Court of Appeal in early April.

The online accommodation rental platform has been fined for repeated failures to meet its obligations to declare, collect and remit tourist tax in 2021 and 2022.

"If we win the appeal, which I have no doubt we will, of course we will use this money to promote year-round housing," Michel Parent stressed.