The French Parliament definitively adopted a bill on March 27 aimed at combating degraded housing, providing support for struggling condominiums, and cracking down on slumlords. The bill, which is seen as a consensus-building effort, is part of broader discussions on the housing crisis that will take place in the summer. Approximately 1.5 million housing units in France are considered to be in poor condition, and the government hopes that this bill will improve the living conditions of families facing unacceptable circumstances.
After being approved by the National Assembly, the government’s bill received unanimous approval from the Senate on Wednesday, marking the end of its parliamentary review process. The bill includes various mechanisms to facilitate renovations in dilapidated housing, as well as a new expropriation procedure for homes deemed hazardous or unsanitary, and a collective loan program to improve access to credit for condominiums, with a public guarantee. Mayors are also given the authority to conduct structural assessments of buildings in degraded housing zones, including in historic city centers.
The bill also includes measures to combat slumlords, strengthening penalties against property owners who rent out substandard housing. However, Minister Guillaume Kasbarian acknowledges that more needs to be done to address the serious housing crisis in France. There are concerns among elected officials about the social implications of the housing crisis, and calls for a more comprehensive approach to providing adequate housing that meets the needs of all citizens.
While the current bill addresses urgent issues related to degraded housing and slumlords, there are more pressing matters in the housing sector that need to be addressed. A larger and more contentious bill is set to be examined in June by the Senate, which will potentially revise the Solidarity and Urban Renewal Law (SRU), which sets quotas for social housing in certain municipalities. This bill has already faced criticism from the left, with concerns about potential implications for social housing policies in the future.
The housing crisis in France is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and sustained effort to address. While the current bill represents a step in the right direction, there is a recognition that more needs to be done to ensure that all citizens have access to safe and affordable housing. The upcoming discussions in the Senate on the broader housing bill will be crucial in shaping the future of housing policies in France and addressing the systemic challenges that contribute to the housing crisis. It is essential for lawmakers to work together to find effective solutions that prioritize the well-being and safety of all citizens.
