Rent Control in France: What You Need to Know
The French government has introduced new measures to control rent increases in areas with high demand for housing. These measures, known as “encadrement des loyers,” apply to all new and renewed leases in designated “tense areas.”
What is a “tense area”?
A tense area is a municipality or part of a municipality where the demand for housing is high and the supply is low. This can lead to significant rent increases, making it difficult for people to find affordable housing.
Which areas are considered tense?
The government has designated 28 agglomerations as tense areas, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux. The full list of tense areas can be found on the government’s website.
What are the rent control measures?
In tense areas, rent increases are capped at 5% above the reference rent. The reference rent is based on the average rent for similar properties in the same area.
How do I find out the reference rent for my property?
The reference rent for your property can be found on the government’s website. You can search for your property by address or by cadastral reference.
What if my landlord wants to increase my rent by more than 5%?
If your landlord wants to increase your rent by more than 5%, they must provide you with a justification for the increase. The justification must be based on one of the following reasons:
- The property has been renovated or improved
- The rent has not been increased for more than three years
- The landlord is facing exceptional financial hardship
What if I disagree with the justification provided by my landlord?
If you disagree with the justification provided by your landlord, you can file a complaint with the local rent control commission (commission de conciliation). The commission will review your complaint and make a decision.
What are the penalties for violating the rent control measures?
Landlords who violate the rent control measures can be fined up to €5,000.
When do the rent control measures take effect?
The rent control measures took effect on July 1, 2019.
Additional information
For more information on rent control in France, please visit the government’s website.
Location en zone tendue et encadrement des loyers : ce qu’il faut savoir
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