An EU court is expected to issue a ruling tomorrow as to whether Airbnb is an online booking service or a property agent.

The decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union, based in Luxembourg, will have far-reaching consequences.

For the 2024 Paris Olympics, the IOC has already agreed to promote Airbnb as accommodation provider for the event.

There is also the issue of legislation in the private rented sector in various countries, which could affect the way that houses and rooms are let out for short periods of time, and whether the ruling would be binding in the UK.

The EU court has been asked to decide following a complaint by a French tourism association, which prompted a prosecution of Airbnb where it was accused of breaching Hoguet Law.

Hoguet Law governs the activities of property agents in France.

A French judge then referred the matter to the Court of Justice for the EU for its advice.