Paris Bans Key Lockboxes in Latest Effort to Limit Short-Term Rentals

The Mayor of Paris has issued a new decree on January 24th prohibiting the installation of lockboxes and key storage devices in public spaces. This latest measure is in step with the city’s ongoing efforts to control and ultimately curb the short-term rental market.

The decree explicitly bans “lockboxes, padlocked storage boxes, and any other devices or receptacles intended to contain personal effects” on public streets in Paris. According to the mayor, the prohibition aims to address a concern over damage to public property and the unauthorized use of city infrastructure for private use.

Property owners found in violation will receive a warning sticker requiring removal of the lockbox within 15 days. Should the owner fail to comply, the city services will remove and destroy the device. Violations carry substantial penalties, with fines reaching up to €1,500 for first-time offenders and €3,000 for repeat violations, as stipulated under Article R* 116-2 of the road infrastructure code. It’s not entirely clear how they will know who is the owner of the lockbox on a public street; but the message city hall is hoping to convey is clear.

The new regulations may present challenges for property managers and hosts, who have traditionally relied on lockboxes for guest access. Industry professionals will need to adapt their operations, potentially exploring alternative solutions such as smart locks or in-person key exchanges. Property owners and managers are advised to stay informed about these evolving regulations and ensure their compliance to avoid penalties. The city’s approach may ultimately serve as a model for other major tourist destinations grappling with similar challenges in the short-term rental market.

Part of Broader Rental Market Reform

This lockbox ban coincides with other significant changes to Paris’s short-term rental regulations. As of January 2025, the city has reduced the annual limit for renting out primary residences as tourist accommodations, from 120 to 90 days. These measures signal Paris’s continued commitment to balancing tourism interests with the municipality’s commitment to preserving residential housing stock and maintaining neighborhood character in the face of growing tourism pressure. As one of the world’s most visited cities, Paris faces unique challenges in managing its tourist accommodation sector while preserving its architectural heritage and community atmosphere.