Rent Control in Tight Zones: What Tenants Need to Know in 2025
Living in France and finding a place to live can be quite a challenge.
Even more so in major cities where demand far exceeds supply.
These so-called “tight zones” cover more than 1,000 municipalities, including Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Montpellier.
In these cities, specific rules regulate the amount of rent to prevent abuse.
What is a Tight Zone?
If you rent a property in a tight zone, whether furnished or unfurnished, remember that the law sets the maximum possible rent.
This protects tenants from excessive increases when signing the lease or renewing it.
- For the first rental, the landlord sets the rent freely.
- For renewals or changes of tenants, the rent is limited, unless renovations have been carried out or the rent was manifestly low.
- Some cities apply even stricter controls with reference rents that must not be exceeded.
What’s Changing in 2025
Several new regulations will come into effect in 2025 to further protect tenants:
- It is forbidden to rent a highly energy-inefficient property (rated G on the energy performance certificate).
- Annual rent increases are limited for properties rated F or G.
- These rules apply to long-term rental contracts, whether furnished or unfurnished.
Why is it Important?
Understanding these rules helps you negotiate your lease better and avoid unpleasant surprises. If in doubt or to assist you with your rental procedures, Enyter is here to guide you and facilitate your move to France.
Learn more about rent control in tight zones and how it affects you as a tenant. Visit the official website of the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty for detailed information.
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