Listing your riad on Airbnb or Booking.com while you are away from Marrakech is one of the projects our clients mention most often. It is also one of the topics surrounded by the most misconceptions. "Everyone does it", "there are no rules", "you just create a listing": the reality is more nuanced, and it has changed a great deal since 2023.églementation de la location ère du Tourismeé et ce qui reste’hébergement touristique au Maroc est encadré par la° 80-14écret d’application n° 2-23-441évoient une’exploitationétablissements (maisons d’hôtes, riads…) et un régi
This guide sets out the rules on short-term rentals in Morocco, based on the texts published by the Ministry of Tourism, and tells you clearly what is settled and what is still pending.
In short : tourist accommodation in Morocco is governed by Act No. 80-14 (2015) and its Implementing Decree No. 2-23-441 (2023). They predict a operating licence, a ranking for accommodation providers (guesthouses, riads, etc.) and a scheme for the’homestay accommodation. Web hosting providers must also report their clients. Further legislation, particularly relating to platforms, was still expected in 2025.
The legal framework: Law No. 80-14 and Decree No. 2-23-441
Act No. 80-14
Law No. 80-14 on tourist establishments and other forms of tourist accommodation was enacted by Dahir No. 1-15-108 of 4 August 2015. It covers both traditional establishments (hotels, guesthouses, riads, etc.) and «other forms of tourist accommodation», including private accommodation.
Decree No. 2-23-441
Decree No. 2-23-441 of 13 July 2023, published in the Official Gazette on 7 August 2023, set out the implementing provisions. According to the Ministry of Tourism, it introduces three major changes:
- Applications for operating licences and classification are handled by the Regional Investment Centres (CRI) ;
- Operating licences for accommodation establishments are issued by the governors, following the opinion of the Unified Regional Investment Commission; ;
- The ranking takes into account not only physical standards, but also the quality of service, monitored in particular through mystery visits.
The Minister for Tourism clarified in 2023 that accommodation offered on platforms such as Airbnb or Booking is covered by these measures and will have to meet certain criteria, subject to monitoring and inspections.
What sort of diet is best for your riad?
That is the key question, and it depends on how you use the property.
Case 1: the riad operated as a guesthouse or «riad»
If your riad operates as an accommodation establishment (hosting guests, providing services, operating on a regular basis), it falls under the category of tourist establishments: operating licence and classification. The Ministry announced in June 2025 that guesthouses, previously categorised, would henceforth be classified by star rating like hotels, and that riads and kasbahs would also be included in this system. The classification is no longer permanent: it is reassessed after 7 years for new establishments, and every 5 years thereafter. A 24-month transition period has been announced to allow for compliance with the new standards.
Case 2: Homestay accommodation
The decree sets out a scheme for private accommodation. According to the Ministry’s guidance, the person responsible must submit an application comprising, in particular:
- a copy of his national identity card; ;
- photos of the rooms and communal areas; ;
- a copy of the occupation permit, or a certificate from an engineer confirming that the building meets safety requirements.
Once the application has been approved, the authorisation is valid five years, renewable. The maximum number of rooms The criteria for marketability must be laid down by a joint decision of the relevant ministries.
Case 3: Renting out your entire riad whilst you are away
This is the most common scenario among our non-resident clients. Its exact classification (tourist establishment, private accommodation or other form of accommodation) depends on the relevant regulations and the way in which you operate the property. Please have this confirmed by the CRI at Marrakech-Safi or the tourism office before publishing an advert.
What is still pending
In June 2025, the Ministry announced that it would new supplementary orders across three segments: camping, homestays and alternative accommodation, with a scheme that includes the products offered on the most widely used platforms. Their aim is to establish specifications and a clear legal framework to integrate operators currently operating on the fringes of the formal sector, and to provide a wider range of options for travellers.
At the time of writing this guide, we have not been able to confirm that these orders have been published in the Official Gazette. This point should be checked before any project is undertaken.
Day-to-day obligations
Register your customers
Decree No. 2-15-865 of 9 June 2016 lays down the procedures for online filing data relating to guests at tourist accommodation establishments and other forms of accommodation, as well as the template for the individual accommodation registration form. A joint ministerial order of 2017 sets out the requirements for registration with the online reporting system.
The tourist tax
A visitor’s tax is levied on behalf of local authorities on overnight stays in tourist accommodation. The rate for Marrakech is set locally by the local authority: please check the applicable rate and how it applies to short-term lettings before setting your prices.
Declare your income
Rental income is taxable in Morocco. The applicable tax regime depends on the type of letting (unfurnished, furnished or commercial accommodation business). Have your situation assessed by a tax adviser; our Guide to property taxation in Morocco sets out the general framework.
Penalties for non-compliance
According to the Ministry, in the event of non-compliance with the requirements, the operator is first issued with a warning or a reprimand and given a deadline to bring the situation into compliance; failing this, the classification is reviewed. Section 42 of Act No. 80-14 provides that a report shall be drawn up and forwarded to the Public Prosecutor, accompanied by a financial penalty.
Our method for renting out your riad in accordance with the law
- Define the model : short-term lettings, long-term lettings of the entire riad, guest house with services.
- Put together the application (proof of identity, photographs, residence permit or security certificate, building compliance).
- Set up customer registration and the collection of tourist tax.
- Organising management on site: reception, cleaning, maintenance, dealing with passengers.
If you don’t live at Marrakech, this final step is often the most challenging. Our service rental management takes care of it for you.
Before buying a riad to let
One point we remind every customer of: Buying a riad does not entitle you to run it. If letting is central to your plans, make sure, before signing, that the property meets the relevant requirements (safety, occupancy licence, number of bedrooms, building standards). For more information on profitability, see our guide rent a Marrakech riad on a short-term basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to rent out your riad on Airbnb in Morocco?
Yes, provided that the requirements of Law No. 80-14 and its implementing decree are complied with: authorisation depending on the type of accommodation, registration of guests, and tax obligations. The specific regulations depend on the type of business.
Do you need a licence to offer short-term lettings at Marrakech?
Decree No. 2-23-441 provides for an operating licence for tourist establishments and a five-year, renewable licence for private accommodation. Applications are processed via the CRI.
What is Act 80-14?
This is the 2015 Act on tourist establishments and other forms of tourist accommodation. It sets out the framework for the opening, operation and classification of accommodation in Morocco.
Do you have to register your guests?
Yes: Decree No. 2-15-865 sets out the procedures for the online submission of data relating to guests at accommodation establishments and other forms of tourist accommodation.
What are the penalties for undeclared lettings?
Act No. 80-14 provides for penalties, including financial penalties, in the event of a proven breach.
Are the rules going to change again?
It is likely that further regulations governing private accommodation and online platforms will be announced in 2025. Please check the current regulations before launching your business.
Rent out your riad with peace of mind
Do you want to maximise the profitability of your riad without taking any regulatory risks? We can help you choose the right business model, prepare the necessary paperwork and manage day-to-day lettings. Contact Klair & Arno.
