Short-term rentals in Marrakech: regulations in 2026

Start with the property's status

Before publishing a short-term rental listing in Marrakech, the first question is not the nightly rate: it is the framework under which the property may accommodate guests. A villa, an apartment and a riad should not be treated as interchangeable administrative situations. The type of operation, location, ownership documents and any co-ownership rules are all part of the file to be reviewed. The presence of a listing on Airbnb or Booking does not, in itself, constitute authorisation to operate.

This guide highlights points to consider when preparing your project in 2026. It does not replace a review of your circumstances by the competent authorities, a legal adviser or a tax professional. The applicable requirements must be confirmed for your property and your operating model. It would be misleading to claim that a single form or an identical procedure is sufficient for every property in Marrakech. Prepare the documents, identify the relevant contacts and retain the responses received before launching.

Understanding the tourist accommodation framework

Law 80-14 as a starting point

The Ministry of Tourism presents Law No. 80-14 on tourist establishments and other forms of tourist accommodation as part of the regulatory framework for accommodation. Its official page brings together the law and implementing regulations. It is a more relevant source than a simple commercial article for beginning your checks. You must then determine how this framework applies to your activity, rather than infer from a general rule an automatic right to rent out a specific property.

In June 2025, the ministry also announced the publication of regulations supplementing the regulatory framework. This development underscores the importance of consulting official sources and the requirements in force at the time of your project. An article dated 2026 does not guarantee that every individual case has been addressed. Ask which authorisations, property requirements and operating obligations apply to your circumstances. Classification and standards must not be reduced to the quality of the listing's photos.

Preparing for guest identification and reporting

Useful information with a specific purpose

Decree No. 2-15-865 sets out the procedures for electronically reporting data relating to guests of tourist accommodation establishments and other forms of tourist accommodation covered by this system. The official text requires arrivals and departures to be reported to the competent authorities. The specific registration procedures, applicability to your property and practical arrangements must be confirmed before welcoming guests. A booking recorded on a platform does not necessarily replace the formalities that the operator is required to complete.

Define who collects the necessary information, who submits the report and how documents are stored or transmitted. A reception team must have instructions consistent with the applicable obligations and personal data protection requirements. Do not collect unnecessary information simply because a guest is staying at your property. Retention periods, access rights and responsibilities must be clarified with qualified advisers. A management agreement may arrange for certain tasks to be performed; it does not remove legal obligations.

Do not confuse payments received with taxable income

The amount paid out by a platform is not automatically a profit or a tax base ready to be declared. It may reflect commissions, refunds, cleaning fees or other transactions. Keep statements and reconcile bookings with payments received. Separate the accommodation price from fees charged to guests and deposits that do not constitute revenue from a stay. This approach avoids basing an estimate on an amount that the owner does not retain in full.

Tax obligations depend in particular on the owner's circumstances, their activity and, where relevant, their tax residency. This guide does not put forward a universal tax rate or any exemption. Have your circumstances reviewed by a qualified professional, including if you live abroad. Ask questions about returns, supporting documents and applicable taxes. A monthly management statement makes transactions easier to understand, but it does not replace a tax return or the advice needed to complete it correctly.

Check insurance, rules and responsibilities

Before the first stay, review your insurance terms and the rules specific to the property. Standard home insurance should not be assumed to cover all short-term rental activity. Protections offered by platforms may be subject to conditions, exclusions or procedures. It would be unwise to present them as automatic compensation for all damage. The pool, equipment, access and property safety must be assessed in practical terms, and guests must be given accurate information.

The management agreement must define the tasks assigned, the coordination of work and the conditions for approving expenditure. At GUESTIO, cleaning and laundry fees are paid by guests, organised by the teams and added to the Airbnb/Booking reservation price. Cleaning products are supplied by these teams. Repairs and technical maintenance of the property remain the owner's responsibility and expense. Contractual terms must be read before signing, without confusing day-to-day management with works.

Prepare your documentation before listing the property

Gather ownership documentation, your identification or that of the representative, the property's characteristics, the applicable rules and details of formalities already completed. Add a description of the equipment, access instructions and useful documents relating to work on the property. A well-presented property that lacks essential information should not be launched in haste. Request a preparation schedule based on the documents available, the photos and the checks still to be completed, rather than an identical promise of a listing date for every property.

To move forward with GUESTIO, send us the neighbourhood, property type, number of bedrooms and, if you have one, the existing listing. We can prepare the property assessment and the scope of support. The authorisations and formalities specific to your operation still need to be confirmed with the competent authorities. The aim is to make decisions based on reliable information: what is possible, what needs to be finalised and what falls within your contract. Clear organisation does more to protect your project than a general statement of compliance made without reviewing the documentation.

Sources

Ministry of Tourism — legal framework for tourist accommodation

Decree No. 2-15-865 — electronic guest reporting

Ministry of Tourism — supplementary legislation published in 2025