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IN BRIEF
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In Paris, a new chapter is being written in the history of urban planning with the announcement of the ban on the famous key boxes. These devices, which allow vacationers to access accommodations without meeting the owners, are set to disappear from the urban landscape. This decision, made by the city hall as part of a fight against illegal tourist rentals, aims to restore balance in the capital’s real estate market and enrich the citizen experience within the City of Light. Amid practical issues and societal implications, this turning point raises the question of coexistence between tourism and local life.
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A wind of change is blowing over the French capital! From now on, Paris is engaging in a fierce fight against key boxes, these devices that have long been seen as symbols of tourist rentals. With a recently adopted municipal decree, the city is implementing a strategy to clean up public space while regulating the market for tourist accommodations. In this article, we will explore the implications of this decision and what it means for Parisians and tourists.
A measure against illegal rentals #
The Parisian municipality has decided to launch an offensive against illegal tourist rentals. Indeed, these key boxes, which are very widespread, allow tourists to retrieve the keys to their accommodation without meeting the owner. This situation has prompted the city hall to act in the face of a phenomenon that is out of control. It is estimated that approximately 25,000 of these accommodations are illegal, thereby removing apartments available on the traditional market.
The new rules in effect #
Since January 24, 2025, a new decree prohibits the installation of key boxes on Parisian urban furniture. Owners who do not comply with this rule will have a sticker affixed, giving them 15 days to remove the box. After this period, municipal services will take responsibility for removing and destroying the object. This regulation clearly aims to restore urban order and protect public space.
The context of this ban #
This measure does not come out of nowhere. In the same vein as cities like Marseille and Lille, Paris is part of a broader dynamic of regulating tourist rentals. The primary concern is to preserve the living environment of residents while maintaining a viable tourism sector. By reducing the number of illegal rentals, the city also hopes to revitalize access to the long-term rental market.
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A future without key boxes #
Key boxes, while convenient for vacationers, represent a scourge in terms of regulation and taxation. With the emergence of new technologies, such as keyless access systems that allow doors to be unlocked with a smartphone, it would be wise to move towards more suitable solutions that respect both the law and the neighbors. These innovations could offer a compromise between security and ease of access.
Reactions from owners and tourists #
This decree is provoking a variety of reactions. While some owners of rentals welcome this regulation as a necessity in the face of sometimes bewildering procedures, others worry about the implications for their business. Tourists, on the other hand, may find themselves facing limited choices regarding rentals, especially in popular neighborhoods. The stakes of this measure reflect a complexity between the needs of one group and another.
The challenges to overcome #
Despite good intentions, the implementation of these changes will not be without challenges. It will be essential to ensure complete awareness among owners and tourists regarding these new rules. Local authorities will also need to strengthen control measures to ensure compliance with this regulation and avoid abuses.
