Letting your villa to holidaymakers in Tunisia: rules and obligations

Do you own a villa in Djerba, or are you thinking of buying one, and would you like to let it by the week to holidaymakers while you are away? It is a common approach on the island, particularly in Midoun and around the tourist zone. But letting to travellers is not just a matter of nice photos and a calendar: it is an activity that involves your liability, has tax consequences and sits within a regulatory framework that is currently changing in Tunisia.

This article takes a cautious look at what is known in November 2026 and, above all, offers a practical checklist to prepare your property. It does not replace professional advice: at each step we tell you whom to consult.

What rules govern short-term lets in Tunisia?

Let us be clear: the regulation of short-term holiday lets is changing in Tunisia. Registration requirements with the ONTT (Tunisian National Tourism Office) and local authorities have been discussed in 2026, but at the time of writing we have not been able to confirm the final texts. We would therefore rather not give you a precise rule that might turn out to be wrong tomorrow.

Our advice is simple: before offering your villa to holidaymakers, check with the ONTT and a Tunisian chartered accountant. They will tell you whether an authorisation, a declaration or a classification is required in your situation, and how to organise your activity.

This information is general and dated November 2026; rules change, so have your own case checked by a Tunisian notary or lawyer. For tax and declarations, also speak to a chartered accountant.

Is rental income taxable?

Yes. Rental income from a property located in Tunisia is taxable in Tunisia and must be declared annually. However, the applicable regime is not the same for everyone: depending on how you let (frequency of stays, services offered to guests, how the activity is organised…), your income may be treated as property income or as a commercial activity. Determining your situation and your obligations is precisely a chartered accountant's job.

If you are tax resident in France, note that a France–Tunisia tax treaty exists and that this income must also be declared in France (form 2047); ask your tax office how it will be treated in your case. Residents of other countries, including the UK, should also check the rules of their country of residence.

Is your villa part of a co-ownership or a residence?

If your property is in a residence, a group of villas with shared areas or an apartment building, read the co-ownership rules carefully. Some rules restrict short-term lets, the use of a shared pool or the number of occupants. A dispute with the managing agent or neighbours can quickly spoil your season. If a clause is unclear, ask a lawyer before letting.

What should you check before welcoming your first guests?

Here is the checklist we go through with owners who entrust us with their property. It is not exhaustive, but it covers the essentials.

1. Insurance

Contact your insurer and tell them the property will be let to third parties for short periods. Check that your policy covers the owner's liability, water damage, fire, theft and damage caused by occupants. A second-home policy does not necessarily cover letting: ask for written confirmation.

2. Pool safety

A villa with a pool attracts families, and therefore children. Regardless of any legal requirement, provide suitable safety equipment: a fence, a safety cover, an alarm or an enclosure, plus clear signage (depth, unsupervised swimming). State in the house rules that children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Have the equipment (coping, ladder, lighting) and the water quality checked regularly.

3. General safety

Checked electrics, gas and connections in good condition, a smoke detector, a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit and emergency numbers displayed in several languages: simple measures that protect your guests, and you.

4. Registering guests

Hosting foreign travellers involves formalities, notably declaring the people staying with you to the authorities (the "police form"), a standard obligation for accommodation providers. The agency explains the guest arrival formalities and can handle them when we manage your property.

5. Contract and house rules

Even for one week, a written contract (dates, price, security deposit, number of occupants, cancellation terms) and house rules (noise, parties, pets, pool, water and electricity use) prevent many misunderstandings.

6. Check-in/check-out report and inventory

Carry out a check-in and check-out report with dated photos, and keep an up-to-date inventory of furniture and equipment. It is your only solid basis in the event of breakages or a dispute over the deposit.

7. Cleaning and linen

Between stays you need a full clean, fresh linen, a check of consumables and a visit to the pool and garden. From abroad, this is often the hardest part to organise alone: you need a reliable team available on the day of departure.

Can you manage everything yourself from abroad?

It is possible, but demanding. Welcoming guests, sorting out an air-conditioning breakdown on a Saturday evening in August, coordinating cleaning and pool maintenance, carrying out inventories… Many owners living in Europe prefer to hand these tasks to a team on the spot. We explain this option in our article Owner abroad: having your Djerba villa managed and on our property management page.

If you are still considering buying a villa to let, also read Investing in a holiday-let villa in Djerba. For pool upkeep, see Pools in Djerba: building, maintaining and what drives the cost.

What can MY VILLA RISE do for you?

Our agency, located on Route du Phare in Midoun, offers holiday lettings, property management for absent owners, pool maintenance and concierge services. In practice, we can present your villa to holidaymakers, welcome guests, organise cleaning and maintenance, carry out inventories and keep you informed. We are not notaries, lawyers or accountants: for tax and regulatory questions, we refer you to those professionals. To find out more, read our guide to property management in Djerba.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an authorisation to let my villa to holidaymakers in Tunisia?

The regulation of short-term holiday lets is changing. Check with the ONTT and a chartered accountant before you start.

Is rental income taxable in Tunisia?

Yes, with an annual declaration. The regime (property income or commercial activity) depends on how you let: have it determined by a chartered accountant.

I am a French resident: must I declare this income in France?

Yes, it must also be declared in France (form 2047) under the France–Tunisia tax treaty. Ask your tax office.

Do I have to register my guests?

Declaring foreign guests to the authorities is a standard obligation for accommodation providers. The agency explains the arrival formalities.

Is my home insurance enough?

Not necessarily. Tell your insurer the property is let to third parties and ask for written confirmation of your cover.

Should the pool be made safe?

We recommend it in every case: a fence, cover or alarm, clear signage and adult supervision of children.

Sources: agency fact sheet (research of 5 November 2026); Tunisian administrative procedures: idaraty.tn; French tax (form 2047): impots.gouv.fr. For holiday lets, check directly with the ONTT. This information is general and dated November 2026; rules change, so have your own case checked by a Tunisian notary or lawyer.

A question about your project? Contact the MY VILLA RISE front desk on +216 99 573 082 (phone and WhatsApp) or at contact@myvillarise.com, or via our contact page.