What Is the Carte G?
The Carte G, or Professional Property Management Card (Carte Professionnelle de Gestion Immobilière), is a licence issued by the Chamber of Commerce (CCI) in France. It is governed by the Hoguet Law (n°70-9, 2 January 1970). It authorises its holder to manage real estate on behalf of third parties and to collect rental income.
Why Is It Mandatory for Holiday Rentals?
Whenever a professional collects rent on behalf of a property owner, the Carte G is legally required. This applies to any property management company that handles guest payments. Without a Carte G, collecting rent is illegal and exposes the owner to significant legal and financial risks.
Many property managers and freelancers offer rental management services without a Carte G. They circumvent regulations by presenting themselves as simple service providers. In the event of a dispute, the owner has no protection.
Guarantees Provided by the Carte G
The Carte G requires its holder to provide:
• A financial guarantee from an approved institution (bank or insurer), protecting owners' funds in case of default
• Mandatory professional liability insurance
• A written management mandate governed by law
• Obligation to provide detailed management accounts
• Compliance with the Hoguet Law accounting requirements
These obligations constitute essential protection for the owner: in case of problems (non-payment, damage, guest disputes), funds are secured and the owner benefits from legal coverage.
How to Verify If a Property Manager Holds the Carte G
You can verify Carte G status in several ways:
1. Ask the professional for a copy of their card
2. Check the CCI public register in the relevant department
3. Look for the card number displayed on commercial documents (legal requirement)
At Hostea Riviera, we hold a Carte G issued by the CCI Nice Côte d'Azur. Our number is displayed on all our documents. We legally collect rent and transfer funds monthly with a detailed management statement.
Risks of Using an Unlicensed Manager
Entrusting your property to a manager without a Carte G means taking major risks:
• Illegal rent collection: criminal penalty of up to 6 months' imprisonment and €7,500 fine
• No financial guarantee: if the provider goes bankrupt, your funds are lost
• No professional liability insurance: if a guest causes damage, no professional cover
• Possible tax reclassification of the contract
• Owner's personal liability engaged
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Airbnb property manager need a Carte G?
Yes, as soon as they collect rent on behalf of the owner. If they only manage keys and cleaning without handling payments, they don't need one. But in that case, the owner manages collections themselves.
What is the difference between Carte G and Carte T?
The Carte T (Transaction) authorises property sales. The Carte G (Management) authorises rental management and rent collection. These are two distinct activities. For holiday rentals, the Carte G is required.
Need help managing your property?
Hostea Riviera manages your property from A to Z on the French Riviera. Carte G licensed, full service, 7/7.