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IN BRIEF
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At a time when the real estate rental market in France is changing, the National Gathering plans to change the rules regarding housing energy inefficient, often referred to as thermal strainers. Since January 1, 2023, housing that does not meet the criteria of energetic decency are prohibited for rental. However, by January 1, 2025, this ban could extend to housing with very low energy performance, identified by their Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE). Faced with this upheaval, the opposition party intends to repeal this restrictive timetable, thus opening a debate on the future of the rental market and the country’s environmental policy.
THE National Gathering (RN) has decided to tackle the strict rules regarding rental of energy inefficient housing, dictated by the energy performance diagnosis (DPE). These rules, which aim to prohibit the rental of so-called “thermal sieve” housing, are the subject of debate. From 2025, accommodation classified G cannot be rented, a ban already in force for accommodation labeled G+. The RN seeks to repeal this complex schedule for what it considers to be a necessary solution to the fluidification of the housing market.
Background to the ban
According to the climate law, housing in poor energy performance (noted F and G) are gradually prohibited for rental. Already in 2023, housing that does not meet the criteria of “energetic decency” are deprived of the rental market. This process continues with the ban on renting G-rated housing from 2025. These measures aim to reduce the number of thermal strainers in a context of clearly stated climate emergency. More details on this legislation are available on this site: Ban on rental of homes with high energy consumption from 2023.
Position of the National Rally
Faced with these bans, the RN calls for a review of current legislation. Their representatives claim that this regulation, although ecological, slows down the availability of housing on the market. The party therefore wishes to repeal the current timetable for bans linked to ECD, a position detailed here: Remove rental bans linked to DPE.
The impact on the rental market
The RN affirms that the removal of these bans would make it possible to make the housing market more fluid. Landlords, subject to these regulations, often see their ability to rent reduced, even though strong demand persists. According to the party, ensuring wider access to housing, even if it is energy inefficient, is essential. Find their initiative on housing policy here: National preference: the RN’s promises on housing.
Ecological counter-arguments
Environmentalists and environmental defenders see the RN’s position as a retreat from the climate emergency, arguing that current legislation is necessary to quickly reduce excessive energy consumption in homes. This perspective is described in detail in the PAP article: Climate law: landlords facing the fight against energy sieves.
A contested implementing decree
A decree confirms the gradual extension of the bans according to the energy classification, ultimately affecting housing rated E. Although the RN contests these measures, all attempts to cancel the decree have so far been unsuccessful. The precise relevance of these regulations is explicit in the following article: DPE F and G rental ban.
Comparison of Positions on the Rental of Energy Inefficient Housing
| Element | Position of the National Rally |
| DPE G+ ban in 2023 | Opposition to ban, in favor of rental |
| DPE G ban in 2025 | Proposal to repeal this ban |
| Fluidity of the housing market | Relaxation of rules to boost the market |
| Energy decency criteria | Advocacy for less strict criteria |
| Long-term energy objective | Reluctance to immediately bind objectives |
| Climate and impact law | Criticism of the measures imposed by the climate law |
| Rental ban DPE F | Questioning the planned ban |
| DPE and reliability | Need to review the rating system |
| Owner Support | Suggestions to facilitate renovation |
- Current prohibitions:
- Since 2023, housing not meeting energy decency criteria prohibited for rental.
- From 2025, ban on rated housing G and F.
- Since 2023, housing not meeting energy decency criteria prohibited for rental.
- From 2025, ban on rated housing G and F.
- Proposal of the National Rally:
- Abolish the current rental ban schedule for thermal strainers.
- Facilitate the rental of accommodation considered energy inefficient.
- Abolish the current rental ban schedule for thermal strainers.
- Facilitate the rental of accommodation considered energy inefficient.
- Since 2023, housing not meeting energy decency criteria prohibited for rental.
- From 2025, ban on rated housing G and F.
- Abolish the current rental ban schedule for thermal strainers.
- Facilitate the rental of accommodation considered energy inefficient.