\n property\n <\/p>\n
New report shows findings as senators set to debate expansion of the reforms<\/p>\n
\n Rent controls are in place in several large cities, including the capital – although rules are not always followed
\n Eric Bery \/ Shutterstock\n <\/p>\n
Nearly 40% of rented properties fail to respect rent control laws in France, a new report reveals, as senators are set to discuss whether these measures should be extended.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The report, by the Fondation pour le Logement des D\u00e9favoris\u00e9s (formerly Fondation Abb\u00e9 Pierre) cites that 37% of properties in areas subject to rent control exceed legal limits, up from 32% in 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In Paris, up to 46% of landlords fail to respect rent controls, with Le Figaro reporting up to 62% and 59% respectively in the 16th and 7th arrondissements.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In comparison, Montpellier (12%) and Bordeaux (17%) performed far better. Cities including Lyon (26%) and Lille (25%) fall somewhere in the middle.<\/p>\n
Senators will debate the renewal of rules in October with rent caps in most locations set to end in November 2026 – the current rules are part of a trial on the issue – and are subject to a vote to renew them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Some cities including Paris will see rules in place until at least July 2027.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can clearly see the effects of property owners relaxing their compliance as we approach the announced end of the trial period,\u201d said the foundation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey may feel that rent controls are already a thing of the past and deliberately decide not to comply.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the increase in landlords flouting the rules, the average amount by which rents exceed the limits is falling, down to \u20ac159 per month in 2026\u00a0 from \u20ac191 in 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rent controls in major cities<\/p>\n
There are currently 69 municipalities and inter-communal areas where rent controls are in place across France.<\/p>\n
This mainly consists of larger cities and their high-density suburbs, as well as popular tourist locations or areas with high student populations.<\/p>\n
In most cases, rental units are subject to a maximum price, set by local authorities, when the property is first put on the market.<\/p>\n
This maximum rent is 20% above the median cost for the area.<\/p>\n
Once leased, the rent cannot be increased at will by landlords and is typically restricted to one increase per year.<\/p>\n
Landlords are limited in how much they can increase rent, either upon renewal of a lease or when a new tenant leases the property. The increase is usually limited by changes in national inflation rates.<\/p>\n
There are certain exemptions where rents can be increased above these levels, such as if renovation works have been carried out.<\/p>\n
Landlords who fail to respect rent control rules risk fines of up to \u20ac5,000 per infraction.<\/p>\n
Certain areas have specific rules, including exemptions on first-rent prices (with limits only on subsequent increases).<\/p>\n