Jeanbrun defends temporary reintroduction of energy-inefficient rental apartments with renovation obligations

Paris – 07.07.2026: The Minister for Urban Affairs and Housing, Vincent Jeanbrun, on Tuesday defended the central provision of the bill “Relance et décentralisation du logement”: the temporary return of energy-inefficient apartments of classes F and G to the rental market — on the condition that owners comply with binding renovation schedules. The measure is to be debated in the Senate on the same day in first reading.

The government argues with acute shortages in many cities and an unused housing stock at the same time. Jeanbrun sketched the approach as a pragmatic exchange: time-limited rental in return for verifiable obligations for insulation, the replacement of obsolete heating systems or measures to protect against heat. According to the draft, different deadlines are planned: three years for single-family houses, five years for apartments in condominium complexes. Within this corridor the essential works must be started and proven; otherwise sanctions may apply.

The background is the phased rental restriction for so-called “Passoires thermiques” introduced as of 2025/2028 under the “Climat et Résilience” law. With the now proposed exception, the government estimates it can make 650,000 to 700,000 apartments available again, provided the renovations actually take place. Jeanbrun forecast that the mechanism could produce measurable effects within five years, but stressed the need for clear controls.

Amendments are pending in the Senate to clarify deadlines, proof rules and controls. Also under discussion are easings for adaptations against overheating — such as shading, ventilation or green roofs. Environmental groups and parts of the opposition warn, however, that too extensive exceptions could leave tenants longer in poorly insulated, heat-prone apartments and dilute energy savings targets.

Legally, the question arises how the special rule interacts with the duty to provide contractual, healthy living space. Legal experts point to the need for clearly defined sanctions if renovation commitments are not kept — from fines to temporary rental bans to compulsory measures. It will be crucial whether prefectures and municipalities receive sufficient resources for controls and for processing exceptions.

Also open is the financing: the effectiveness of the rule depends largely on subsidies, loans and advisory structures that guide owners through the process. Observers expect that the implementing decrees will set out how progress must be documented, which works are priorities and how authorities may justify extensions of deadlines. Until the final vote, therefore, not only the exact scope of the exceptions but also the pace of the renovation wave will be the decisive test.