French Senate Advances Housing Bill with Rental Standards and Local Housing Powers

French Senate Passes Housing Reform Bill: New Rules for Energy-Inefficient Rentals, Heatwave Adaptation, and Social Housing Allocation

Paris, France | July 9, 2026

The French Senate has approved a significant housing reform bill that introduces major changes to the country's housing policies, energy renovation requirements, climate adaptation measures, and social housing allocation process. The bill, adopted on Wednesday, July 8, was backed by the government despite strong opposition from left-wing parties and housing rights organizations.

The legislation was placed on the Senate's agenda shortly before the summer parliamentary recess and was approved by a show of hands. It now moves to the National Assembly, where lawmakers are expected to debate and examine the proposal after Parliament resumes following the summer break.

The government argues that the bill will speed up home renovations, improve climate resilience, and provide greater flexibility to homeowners and local authorities. However, critics believe it weakens tenant protections, delays France's energy transition goals, and gives excessive power to local officials in social housing decisions.

Key Highlights of the Housing Reform Bill

The newly adopted legislation focuses on several important areas:

• Relaxation of rental restrictions for energy-inefficient homes ("thermal sieves").

• Measures to help homes adapt to increasingly frequent heatwaves.

• Introduction of the concept of "summer comfort" in renovation standards.

• Simplification of installing external sun protection devices.

• Granting mayors a motivated "right of veto" in social housing allocation.

• Additional flexibility for property owners facing renovation difficulties.

Each of these provisions has sparked significant political debate across France.

What Are "Thermal Sieves"?

One of the most debated parts of the bill concerns homes commonly known in France as "thermal sieves" (passoires thermiques).

These are residential properties with very poor Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE) ratings, typically classified as F or G, indicating extremely poor energy efficiency.

Such homes generally suffer from:

• Poor insulation

• High heating and cooling costs

• Excessive energy consumption

• Cold indoor temperatures during winter

• Extreme heat during summer

• Higher greenhouse gas emissions

France has been gradually tightening regulations on these properties to reduce national energy consumption and combat climate change.

Previous Rules on Energy-Inefficient Homes

Before this new legislation, France had introduced a strict timetable aimed at eliminating energy-inefficient rental housing.

Under the previous law:

• G-rated homes were gradually banned from being rented.

• F-rated homes were scheduled to become ineligible for rental by 2028.

• Landlords were expected to complete energy renovation work before continuing to rent such properties.

The objective was to encourage property owners to improve insulation, heating systems, windows, and overall energy efficiency.

What Changes Under the New Bill?

The newly approved legislation introduces greater flexibility for landlords who are unable to immediately complete renovation work.

Instead of imposing an automatic rental ban, the bill allows owners to continue renting energy-inefficient homes under certain conditions.

Landlords may receive exemptions if:

• They have signed a contract with a certified renovation company.

• Renovation work has already been scheduled.

• Renovation proves technically impossible.

• Legal or structural constraints prevent upgrades.

• A condominium association (co-ownership syndicate) refuses to approve required work.

This means many properties previously expected to leave the rental market may remain available while renovation efforts continue.

Government Says the Bill Encourages More Renovations

Housing Minister Vincent Jeanbrun defended the legislation, saying it offers a practical solution to existing challenges.

According to the minister, many homeowners genuinely want to renovate but face obstacles beyond their control.

Examples include:

• Delays in finding qualified contractors.

• Financial difficulties.

• Building regulations.

• Heritage preservation requirements.

• Co-owner disagreements.

Rather than penalizing these owners, the government believes allowing temporary exemptions will keep housing available while encouraging eventual renovations.

Jeanbrun stated that the legislation would:

• Accelerate hundreds of thousands of renovation projects.

• Adapt homes to climate change.

• Reduce administrative barriers.

• Support local governments.

• Increase housing availability.

Left-Wing Parties Strongly Oppose the Bill

Opposition parties strongly criticized the Senate's decision.

The Socialist Party, environmental groups, and several left-wing senators argue that the bill represents a significant weakening of France's environmental commitments.

Socialist Senator Viviane Artigalas described the legislation as a "step backward" in France's national energy renovation strategy.

According to critics, the numerous exemptions could allow landlords to postpone renovations for years.

They argue this leaves tenants living in:

• Poor-quality housing

• High energy bills

• Unsafe indoor temperatures

• Unhealthy living conditions

Housing organizations also fear that vulnerable families will continue occupying buildings that fail to meet modern environmental standards.

Tenant Associations Express Serious Concerns

Several tenant rights organizations have also criticized the reform.

They argue that many renters have little choice but to accept housing with poor energy performance due to France's ongoing housing shortage.

These groups warn that delaying mandatory renovations may result in:

• Continued excessive heating expenses.

• Greater electricity consumption.

• Poor indoor air quality.

• Increased health risks during extreme temperatures.

• Lower living standards for low-income families.

Critics believe tenants should not bear the consequences of renovation delays caused by landlords or condominium disputes.

Focus on Heatwave Adaptation

A major component of the legislation addresses the growing impact of heatwaves, which have become increasingly common across Europe.

France has experienced multiple severe heatwaves in recent years, causing health emergencies, record temperatures, and increased energy demand.

The Senate therefore introduced several new climate adaptation measures.

Introduction of "Summer Comfort" Standards

One of the most notable additions is the recognition of "summer comfort" as part of efficient building renovation.

Previously, renovation policies focused mainly on:

• Winter heating efficiency

• Insulation against cold weather

• Reducing heating costs

The new legislation expands this approach by considering how homes perform during extreme summer heat.

Future renovation projects may therefore include measures designed to:

• Reduce indoor temperatures.

• Improve natural ventilation.

• Increase shading.

• Prevent overheating.

• Enhance occupant comfort during heatwaves.

This reflects changing climate conditions across France.

Easier Installation of Sun Protection Systems

Another important reform concerns the installation of external sun protection devices, including:

• Exterior blinds

• Shutters

• Solar shades

• External awnings

Currently, buildings located in historically protected areas often require approval from the Architectes des Bâtiments de France (ABF).

The new legislation would make the ABF's opinion non-binding for installing certain external sun protection systems.

Supporters say this change will:

• Speed up climate adaptation.

• Reduce administrative delays.

• Encourage homeowners to protect buildings from overheating.

Opponents worry that historic buildings may lose architectural consistency if local heritage protections are weakened.

Major Changes to Social Housing Allocation

Perhaps the most politically controversial measure concerns social housing.

The Senate voted to grant mayors a motivated "right of veto" over certain social housing allocations.

Under this proposal, mayors would be allowed to reject housing assignments provided they offer written justification.

Supporters believe local elected officials understand community needs better than centralized authorities.

The government argues that mayors should play a greater role in deciding how public housing is allocated within their municipalities.

Criticism of the Mayor's Veto Power

The new veto provision has generated widespread criticism.

Opposition lawmakers fear it could create opportunities for:

• Political favoritism.

• Unequal treatment.

• Discrimination.

• Reduced access to housing for vulnerable groups.

Some left-wing senators warned that the measure could encourage what they described as "national preference", where certain applicants may receive priority over others based on political or local considerations.

Critics argue that housing decisions should remain objective and based on transparent legal criteria rather than local political discretion.

Balancing Housing Supply and Climate Goals

The debate surrounding the bill reflects a broader challenge facing many European countries.

Governments must simultaneously address:

• Housing shortages.

• Rising construction costs.

• Climate change.

• Energy efficiency.

• Social inequality.

• Historic building preservation.

France faces increasing pressure to expand housing availability while also meeting ambitious environmental targets.

The government believes flexibility is necessary to avoid removing thousands of rental properties from the market.

Opponents argue that environmental standards should not be weakened simply because renovations are difficult.

What Happens Next?

Although the Senate has approved the legislation, it has not yet become law.

The bill will now move to the National Assembly, where Members of Parliament will debate, amend, and vote on its provisions during the next parliamentary session after the summer recess.

Lawmakers could:

• Approve the bill without changes.

• Introduce amendments.

• Reject specific provisions.

• Request further negotiations between the two chambers.

The final version may therefore differ from the text adopted by the Senate.

Why This Bill Matters

The housing reform could affect millions of homeowners, landlords, tenants, and local governments across France.

Its impact extends beyond housing policy, touching on energy transition, climate adaptation, public health, and social equality.

Supporters believe the reforms provide practical solutions to real-world renovation challenges while helping France prepare for more frequent heatwaves.

Critics argue the legislation risks slowing progress toward energy-efficient housing, weakening tenant protections, and creating new inequalities in access to social housing.

As the National Assembly prepares to examine the bill, the debate is expected to remain one of France's most closely watched legislative issues in the coming months.

Conclusion

The Senate's approval of the housing reform bill marks an important step in France's evolving approach to housing and climate policy. By allowing temporary exemptions for energy-inefficient rental homes, introducing heatwave adaptation measures, recognizing summer comfort in renovation standards, simplifying the installation of sun protection systems, and granting mayors a limited veto over social housing allocations, the legislation seeks to balance environmental objectives with practical housing needs. However, strong opposition from tenant organizations and left-wing lawmakers highlights the ongoing tension between expanding housing availability and maintaining strict energy efficiency and social equality standards. The bill's final outcome will now depend on discussions and voting in the National Assembly, where further changes remain possible before it can become law.