An emerging phenomenon on the French Riviera: an attractive market, increasingly exposed

The French Riviera, a true international showcase, attracts visitors from all over the world each year. With one of the most dynamic rental markets in Europe, the region is among the most profitable destinations for short-term rentals. The rapid growth of platforms such as Airbnb, Booking and Abritel has naturally encouraged many property owners to rent out their villa, apartment or secondary home.

But this high visibility and fast turnover of guests also creates a new form of vulnerability: the emergence of “Airbnb squats” — still rare, but growing steadily in recent years.

Why the French Riviera is particularly affected

• large number of secondary homes left vacant during low season,
• owners often living abroad or far from the property,
• high-value luxury properties,
• constant increase in tourism,
• delegated or automated management.

These factors create an ideal context for dishonest or opportunistic tenants.

Airbnb squat: understanding a legally complex mechanism

Unlike a traditional squat, the “squatter” in a seasonal rental enters the property legally thanks to a valid reservation.

The problem begins when they refuse to leave at the end of their stay.

A legal grey area that complicates eviction

The tenant:

• has paid,
• has a confirmed reservation,
• was given permission to enter,
• may claim a “civil dispute” rather than a criminal offense.

This means that:

• fast-track eviction procedures do not always apply,
• the police may refuse to intervene,
• a property can remain blocked for weeks or months,
• the process may require a lawyer, bailiff, and court hearings.

Consequences for property owners on the French Riviera

• loss of rental income during peak season,
• property immobilisation,
• potential damages,
• risk of negative reviews on platforms,
• high legal costs,
• inability to re-rent during proceedings.

For premium coastal properties, the financial impact can reach tens of thousands of euros.

How to protect your property from seasonal rental squatting

Protecting a property on the French Riviera requires meticulous preparation. Below are the most effective methods used by premium real-estate agencies, concierge services, and professional property managers.

1. Strengthen screening of guests

• analyse the booking history,
• check reviews left by other hosts,
• avoid profiles with no photo or recently created accounts,
• be cautious with last-minute or overly insistent requests.

👉 Rigorous screening eliminates up to 80% of risks.

2. Frame every stay with an official contract

Even for a 3-night stay, a short-term rental contract must clearly specify:

• exact arrival and departure dates,
• guest identity,
• security deposit,
• usage rules (visitors, noise, occupancy),
• penalties for overstay,
• inventory checklist.

👉 This document becomes the essential legal foundation if the guest refuses to leave.

3. Secure property access

Real-estate professionals now commonly use:

• smart locks with temporary codes,
• automatic code changes after each stay,
• legal outdoor cameras,
• smart alarm systems,
• outdoor motion detectors.

👉 Filming inside the property is strictly prohibited.

4. Ensure an on-site presence — the most effective protection

On the French Riviera, most incidents can be prevented through:

• a local concierge,
• a property manager,
• a real-estate agent,
• a premium concierge service.

👉 A systematic check right at checkout time helps detect any suspicious behaviour immediately.

5. Outsource management to a professional

For distant or non-resident owners, professional management is the safest solution:

• check-in / check-out,
• property inspection,
• key handling,
• immediate conflict mediation,
• rapid intervention if needed.

👉 A local manager can prevent 99% of risky situations.

A growing concern for the Riviera real-estate market

The French Riviera combines:

• highly profitable seasonal rentals,
• premium properties,
• international property owners,
• one of the highest property values in Europe.

👉 Securing rentals has become a strategic necessity.

A market where prevention = asset protection

A squat can cost:

• thousands in lost rent,
• months of immobilisation,
• a damaged property reputation,
• high legal fees.

Protecting a luxury property means preserving:

• its profitability,
• its reputation,
• its long-term value.

New solutions transforming rental management

Today, property owners can rely on:

• connected concierge services,
• advanced identity-verification technologies,
• full remote management,
• real-time monitoring,
• specialised insurance.

👉 The goal: rent with peace of mind while delivering the premium experience expected on the Riviera.

Conclusion: smart renting to protect your property

Seasonal rentals are among the most profitable investments on the French Riviera… but also among the most demanding.

👉 To secure your property, you must:

• anticipate risks,
• screen guests carefully,
• frame the stay contractually,
• secure the property,
• choose reliable partners.

In a market as attractive as the Riviera, prevention is your best insurance.