Yes, hosts operating short-term rentals in Morocco must register with the local municipality and obtain a permit before they can list their properties. The registration process typically involves:

1. Submitting an application to the local council: This includes proof of property ownership, ID verification, and sometimes background checks.
2. Paying a registration fee: Fees vary by region, with higher fees in major cities like Marrakech and Fez.
3. Completing safety and health inspections: Properties may be inspected to ensure they meet safety standards and are suitable for accommodating guests.

The permit must be renewed periodically, and failure to comply can result in fines and revocation of the STR permit

Yes, hosts need permission from various parties, depending on the property type and location.

• Landlord Permission: Required if the host is a tenant. The landlord may deny the request to operate an STR, especially if it goes against building management rules.
• Local Council Approval: All hosts must obtain approval from the local council in the form of a permit.
• Neighbor Notification: In some cases, especially in shared residential complexes, neighbors must be notified of the STR activity to avoid conflicts and maintain community relations.

Yes, income earned from STRs in Morocco is subject to taxation, including:

1. Income Tax: All earnings from short-term rentals are considered taxable income. Since January 1, 2019, two proportional discharge tax rates apply: 10% (applied to the cumulative gross taxable property income of less than 120,000 DH) and 15% (applied to the cumulative gross taxable property income greater than or equal to 120,000 DH)
2. Tourism Tax: Hosts in popular tourist cities must collect a nightly tourism tax of 28 Moroccan Dirham (MAD) per person per night, with children under 12 exempted, which is remitted to the local government.
3. Value-Added Tax (VAT): In some cases, VAT may apply to STR earnings, especially for non-resident property owners or commercial operators.

Certain exemptions may apply to smaller operators earning below a specified threshold, allowing hosts to reduce or waive some tax obligations.

Yes, Morocco has a 28 Moroccan Dirham (MAD) per person per night with children under 12 exempted national tourism tax, also known as the "taxe de séjour" (tourist tax), which STR hosts are required to collect from guests. The funds support the country’s tourism initiatives, infrastructure, and cultural preservation.

In addition, hosts may need to contribute to regional tourism boards in popular tourist areas like Marrakech and Agadir. The tax varies by location and type of accommodation and is added to guests' nightly rates on booking platforms.

Yes, in Morocco, hosts are required to register and report guest information to national authorities, primarily for security and public safety. Hosts must register all guests’ details, including identification information, with the local police department within 24 hours of check-in. This registration is mandatory to ensure safety and compliance with national regulations regarding tourism and foreign visitors.

This requirement applies to all STR operators, regardless of property type, and is part of Morocco's commitment to monitoring and managing tourism activities. The collected data is used to track visitor inflow and ensure the safety of both tourists and locals.

Morocco imposes health and safety standards for short-term rentals to ensure guest safety and well-being. These standards include basic requirements like fire safety, sanitation, and emergency exits. Hosts must ensure that their properties meet these minimum standards before listing them for STR purposes. Periodic inspections by local authorities may also be conducted to verify compliance, particularly in larger cities with a high volume of tourist activity.

Yes, Morocco mandates online rental platforms to ensure that all STR listings comply with national laws and regulations. Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com must verify that properties listed for short-term rental have valid permits and adhere to local laws. These platforms are responsible for notifying hosts of the need to comply with legal requirements, including local registration, tax obligations, and guest reporting.

Failure to meet these standards could lead to penalties for both the platform and the host, reinforcing Morocco's efforts to regulate the STR sector.

Morocco upholds anti-discrimination laws that prohibit unfair treatment based on race, religion, nationality, or gender in the provision of short-term rentals. Hosts are expected to adhere to these laws by offering fair treatment to all guests. Additionally, STR platforms operating in Morocco must ensure that hosts comply with these non-discriminatory practices, and complaints regarding discrimination can be filed with Moroccan human rights commissions or the Ministry of Tourism.

In Morocco, there is an expectation that STR platforms share data with national authorities, especially regarding foreign guests. Platforms may be required to provide information on rental transactions, guest details, and payment records to the Ministry of Tourism and other relevant authorities as part of regulatory oversight. This data-sharing requirement helps Morocco manage tourism data and ensure compliance with national laws related to security and taxation.

Yes, hosts in Morocco are encouraged, though not mandated, to maintain liability insurance for their short-term rental properties. While it is not a strict legal requirement, having insurance coverage is recommended to protect both hosts and guests against accidents, property damage, or liabilities that may arise during a guest’s stay. Many STR platforms also encourage hosts to have appropriate insurance coverage for added security.

Yes, hosts in Morocco are encouraged, though not mandated, to maintain liability insurance for their short-term rental properties. While it is not a strict legal requirement, having insurance coverage is recommended to protect both hosts and guests against accidents, property damage, or liabilities that may arise during a guest’s stay. Many STR platforms also encourage hosts to have appropriate insurance coverage for added security.

Morocco is committed to sustainability, and environmental regulations apply to STR properties. Hosts are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as waste recycling, energy conservation, and water-saving measures, especially in areas facing environmental stress. In certain regions, additional requirements may apply, such as restrictions on water use during peak seasons. The Moroccan Ministry of Environment oversees these sustainability measures, aiming to reduce the ecological impact of tourism activities.

Moroccan law protects long-term tenants from being evicted in favor of short-term rentals. Landlords are prohibited from terminating long-term leases solely to convert a property into an STR. Tenant protection laws ensure stability in the housing market by preventing landlords from prioritizing higher STR income over long-term housing arrangements, especially in densely populated urban areas where housing shortages are a concern.

Yes, hosts in Morocco must report foreign guests’ information to national immigration authorities, typically within 24 hours of check-in. This registration process includes submitting passport details and contact information to local police, which helps track and monitor foreign visitors for security purposes

Digital platforms must verify compliance with national regulations before listing properties for short-term rentals. Platforms are responsible for ensuring that hosts provide proof of registration, obtain necessary permits, and comply with local laws. Failure to do so may result in penalties for the platform and hosts, emphasizing the shared accountability in regulating Morocco’s STR industry.

Consumer protection laws in Morocco ensure that STR contracts comply with fair and transparent terms. These laws require that hosts provide clear information on rental terms, including cancellation policies, amenities, and fees. Additionally, guests have the right to report violations to the Ministry of Tourism or local consumer protection agencies, which can mediate disputes or enforce penalties if a host fails to meet contractual obligations.

Moroccan law imposes specific regulations on non-resident owners of STR properties. Non-residents are often subject to additional taxes on rental income and may face stricter reporting requirements. Non-resident owners must also adhere to all national regulations governing STRs and risk fines or other penalties for non-compliance. Tax obligations for non-residents may vary, and it is advisable for such owners to consult with Moroccan tax authorities or legal advisors.

Yes, Morocco classifies short-term rentals into distinct categories based on property type and usage. The classifications, recognized by the Ministry of Tourism, include:

1. Entire Homes/Apartments (Appartements complets): These are self-contained units rented to tourists or temporary residents, allowing full access to amenities.
2. Guesthouses (Maisons d’hôtes): Smaller, often family-operated properties that provide personalized services, similar to bed-and-breakfasts.
3. Rural Inns (Gîtes ruraux): Lodging in rural or mountainous areas intended for tourists looking to experience local culture and nature.
4. Shared Spaces (Espaces partagés): Properties where only a portion, such as a private room, is rented out, often in the host’s primary residence.

Each type of accommodation has specific requirements for safety, comfort, and accessibility, and these properties may be subject to varying licensing procedures.

Yes, during national events and major holidays in Morocco, such as the Feast of the Throne or Mawlid celebrations, stricter regulations may apply to short-term rentals. These may include:

• Reduced maximum stay durations to accommodate more guests.
• Increased guest verification requirements to enhance security.
• Imposed curfews or noise restrictions in residential neighborhoods.

Local authorities monitor these events closely, and hosts may face penalties for non-compliance with these additional restrictions.

Non-compliance with national regulations can lead to penalties, including:

• Fines ranging from MAD 5,000 to MAD 50,000 for operating without a permit or exceeding occupancy limits.
• Property closure orders for severe violations, such as repeat offenses or significant safety concerns.
• Legal action and reputation damage if the host continually violates STR laws, potentially affecting future listings on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com.

The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism and local councils strictly enforce these penalties to maintain quality standards in the tourism sector.