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.