On theIle de Ré, camping with local people is becoming an increasingly popular holiday option. The growth of this practice also brings with it a new financial challenge. While it has always been permissible to let holidaymakers camp graciously in your meadow or garden, the trend today is for owners to make a living from it.
Now, dedicated websites and apps put local owners in touch with holidaymakers who want to stop their motorhome or pitch their tent. Prices range from 5 to 35 euros, with an upward trend, especially in preserved and sought-after areas such as the Ile de Ré.
Can camping be carried out on private, non-professional and approved sites?
The answer is yes, with the express agreement of the owner.
The restriction applies to all sites, even private ones, where camping is strictly forbidden: i.e. the seaside, listed or classified sites, or sites that are part of a protection perimeter. Prefectoral or municipal decrees, as well as the local town-planning plan (PLU), may also prohibit camping in certain areas: private land may be affected by such bans. The island of Ré is home to a number of protected areas, including the coastline and dunes, listed fortifications and the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve.
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Do I need to file an application or any other administrative declaration to rent out part of my land for a tourist camp?
Again, the answer is yes, with different conditions depending on the number of pitches rented and the rental period. To rent out 1 to 6 pitches for tents, motorhomes, caravans or even mobile homes, you need to submit a prior declaration to the Town Hall. The rental activity must be carried out for less than three months of the year. If the rental period exceeds 3 months, or if the number of pitches exceeds 6, the site owner must obtain planning permission.
If the service has become fee-based, what about insurance, tax and legal issues?
On the income side, profits from the rental of camping pitches on private land fall under the micro-foncier scheme, provided they do not exceed 15,000 euros gross per year. When filing your income tax return, you will need to fill in form 2042, box BE. There are tax benefits to be gained from renting camping pitches from one person to another: expenses can be taxed at a rate of 30%. Under 750 euros of annual income from the business, this is normally tax-free.
As far as insurance is concerned, owners also need to make sure they are adequately covered for any damage caused by their guests, or risk finding themselves in a very uncomfortable situation. Campers using owners to stay on private land are also required to find out what their civil liability insurance covers.
