France Enforces Ban on Rental of Energy-Inefficient Homes

New regulations targeting 'passoire énergétique' properties aim to reduce emissions and improve housing standards, but challenges for owners persist.

As of January 1, 2025, properties with a G energy rating are banned from the rental market under France's Climat et Résilience law, with F-rated homes to follow in 2028.
France has 5.8 million energy-inefficient homes, representing 15.6% of all residences, with the majority occupied by their owners rather than rented out.
The government has reported the renovation of 191,000 energy-inefficient homes between 2023 and 2024, though many owners face financial and logistical barriers to upgrading their properties.
Some property owners struggle to comply with the regulations due to high renovation costs, difficulty finding contractors, or resistance within co-owned buildings.
Critics warn that the rental ban could exacerbate the housing crisis, as over 567,000 rental properties are impacted, with some owners resorting to illegal rentals or selling their properties.